August 2017

ROTARY CLUB OF CARLISLE

PRESIDENT Nicki Quayle

SECRETARY Mike McNally

THE BORDERER

AUGUST 2017

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As I write this I am looking out of my office window at the most glorious sunset over the Solway but the recent weather has been dreadful – so wet.  Although we have had some lovely sunny evenings this isn’t enough to dry out the wet ground which is causing problems for the agricultural community as they try to harvest their crops and make silage.  In fact I know of some farmers who have already housed their cattle – it’s going to be a long ‘winter’ for them with extra feed to find.  It may surprise you to learn that one in four farmers live below the poverty line and that’s a Government statistic.  This is why I have chosen RABI as one of my charities for this year and I was pleased that the Regional Manager, Georgina Lamb, was able to speak to the Club and explain how the charity can help.

Recently we have had a very varied line up of good speakers from our very own Derek Heyes, to 2019 High Sheriff elect, a retired professional rugby player and only yesterday it was my pleasure to host the 431^st Mayor of Carlisle. Cllr Trish Vasey.  It was wonderful to see this Carlisle lass who has worked her way up through the ranks talk with such passion about our city.

This last month has been busy for me.  I attended a very pleasant  Open garden & afternoon tea  raising over £720 in aid of RNLI combined with a joint Presidential handover of the Carlisle Clubs (see photo below). I enjoyed my first attempt at bowling with big thanks to Peter & Jill Yates for organising such an enjoyable night.  I have visited several local shows with my RABI hat on;  hosted a couple from NZ who are avid Eddie Stobart fans and had a very entertaining evening at Carlisle Races with associate member Katharine Oliver where it was lovely to bump into Robin & Jenny McLeod.  I wasn’t sure about their comment though – ‘we thought we might see you here’.  Hmm what a reputation I must have!

The Rotary diary is also filling up with up-market pitch & putt next week and then our annual outing to Theatre by the Lake.  Please don’t forget to put the date of 18^th October for the Youth Speaks competition in your diary. 

NICKI QUAYLE

PRESIDENT

NEW MEMBER

STEVEN BOWDITCH

Early in July President Nicki inducted Steven Bowditch as a new member of our Club.

Steven was appointed Deputy Head teacher of The James Rennie Special School, Kingstown, Carlisle in 1981 and its Head teacher in 1986, a position he held for 21 years. In this period the school rose from 40 pupils to 140 and it was the one of the earliest schools to achieve ‘Specialist Schools’ status becoming The James Rennie Communication and Interaction College. Steven was awarded the National Headteacher of the Year Award for the North East and Cumbria. He retired from teaching in 2007.

Steven has been an active member of Carlisle MENCAP for over 30 years and serves on its Finance Committee.

Steven was Mayor of Carlisle in 2014/15 and still serves on the City Council as member for Yewdale.

He lives in Stanwix.

More follows……………..

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.
- Mark Twain

A BIG NIGHT ON THE RINK

 Peter promised us good weather this year and he succeeded . We were very fortunate also to have Jill Yates with us for Jill has good bowling skills  as evidenced by the number of times her name appears on the trophy boards at Wetheral Bowling Club.

 So we were split into four teams of two each with Peter and Jill as tutors /scorers / rule officials . The question then was – would our arthritic knees bend sufficiently to allow the bowl to be delivered low enough to the ground ? Well, mine certainly didn't initially and I followed a series of dam buster type bouncing bowls  with some terrifically wobbly  efforts .

 But we all eventually managed some modest level of competence and having played 12 ends the winning pair was decided and I was pleased to have confirmation again that the art of winning is in selecting a good partner – for Tom Dawson has expertise in the game .

 Whilst still warm and light we repaired to the clubhouse for  tea and biccies and the prize-giving of the lovely silver cup , which dates back to 1959 , by President Nicki .

 Very many thanks to Peter and Jill who organised a lovely evening for us .

DAVID HOGGARD

RABI in action

Georgina Lamb spoke to the club on Wednesday 9^th August 2017

She is RABI’s Regional Manager North West covering Cumbria, Lancashire, South and West Yorkshire, Merseyside and Cheshire. A first generation farmer’s daughter she is based in Halifax.       

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute cannot help with business debt, but it is able to give one –off grants to working farmers and farm workers who are in financial difficulty and facing exceptional circumstances; for example as a result of accident, illness, family breakdown, bereavement or animal disease.    

As well as regular grants and help with things like fuel and telephone costs they can replace essential household items and buy specialist equipment such as stair lifts and mobility scooters.

To qualify for long –term support applicants must normally be aged 65 or over and have worked in farming for at least 10 years. Whatever their age our welfare officers will first check that people are receiving any state benefits they may be entitled to. Welfare officers are also just a phone call away if further help is needed.

RABI can do much more than you may think. 

Helping people to help themselves is another part of their work. Support is tailored to individual circumstances and may include paying for professionals to help get people’s accounts in order so that they can claim state benefits or help them with ideas for how to improve their income.

Their Gateway Project can provide funding for training to help people use their skills to earn extra money off-farm. Ideas range from heavy goods vehicle to catering, hedge-laying, livestock scanning and book-keeping –the possibilities are endless!!

They also help elderly people to keep safe in their own homes and as well as running two residential care homes of their own,  Beaufort House in Somerset and Manson House in Suffolk. They can help with “topping up“ fees in other homes.

It is a known fact that farmers are proud people and often reluctant to seek help in times of need, so the RABI goes to them by being present at auction marts where they are available to meet and discuss any problems often over a cup of tea. Last year over 50 farming families in Cumbria were in receipt of grants totalling £110,000.Last year the charity paid out grants of £2.1 million to 1,375 individuals and families.

The RABI charity is one of our President’s chosen charities for this year and members will be encouraged to take part in several fund-raising events between now and next July.

DONALD EDGAR

THE 2019 HIGH SHERIFF

Our speaker on 26^th July was Marcia Fotheringham and our evening meeting was well attended by some 40 members and guests. Marcia hails from the States (we detected a slight accent) and she spoke about her experiences as a leading Cumbria magistrate (Marcia is Chairman of North and West Cumbria Magistrates Bench).  Marcia will be also be Cumbria’s first black High Sheriff in 2019 – not bad for a gal from New York – so you can imagine that she has a lot of spirit and I’m sure you will find her fascinating.

FROM PROFESSIONAL SPORT TO BUSINESS

Our speaker on 19^th July was Ewan Dowes, a retired rugby league footballer who played for Leeds Rhinos and Hull F.C. in the Super League. Dowes' usual position was Prop. He was a member of the Hull team that won the 2005 Challenge Cup. Dowes was sport's first owner of a dual rugby code contract, having moved from Rugby Union to Rugby League.

He said that in 2011 he was devastated to find that his Rugby League contract was not to be renewed. He then took us through the various stages that he found that most professional sports persons go through when they (have to) retire and illustrated that with an excellent chart.                      His website is www.sjpp.co.uk/ewandowes ?

THE MAYORS VISIT

On Wednesday 16^th August the Mayor of Carlisle, Trish Vasey and her Lady Mayoress, Elaine Donnelly visited our Club.

She said that she has lived the majority of her life in the city of Carlisle. She attended Inglewood Primary School and St Bede’s School before moving to St Patrick’s Secondary School, now known as Newman School.

She left St Patrick’s when she was only 14 years old to take up employment in Linton Tweed Factory where she worked until the early 1960s. She then worked in the fashion industry in London for three years. On returning to Carlisle she embarked on a career as a Beauty Consultant in Binns Department Store, a position that spanned over four decades.

After her children started school, she then returned to House of Fraser where she stayed in a job that has seen her become a familiar face to so many people until her retirement in 2007.

Not long into her retirement she began her political career after always having a love for politics and being inspired by Margaret Thatcher. She was elected as a Councillor for Belah Ward in 2007 and still holds her seat.

She is full of admiration of the generosity of the people of Carlisle.

Her charities for the year are The Samaritans and The Royal British Legion.

The only problems with reunions…

A group of chaps, all aged 40 discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Carlisle because the waitresses were very attractive.

Ten years later, at age 50 the friends once again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Carlisle because the waitresses were very attentive. The food and service was good and the beer selection was excellent.

Ten years later, at age 60, the friends again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at  Wetherspoons in Carlisle because there was plenty of parking, they could dine in peace and quiet with no loud music and it was good value for money.

Ten years later, at age 70, the friends discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Carlisle because the restaurant was wheelchair accessible and had a toilet for the disabled.

Ten years later, at age 80, the friends discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Wetherspoons in Carlisle because they had never been there before.

Contributed by Trevor Green and edited by Donald

Children in church

A little boy was attending his first wedding.  After the service his cousin asked him, "How many people can we marry?"

"Sixteen," the boy responded.  His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly.      "How do you know that?"

"Easy," the little boy said.  "All you have to do is add it up, like the vicar said - 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."

A boy was watching his father, a vicar, write a sermon.

"How do you know what to say?" he asked.

"Why, God tells me", replied his father.

"Oh - then why do you keep crossing things out?"

A little girl became restless as the vicar's sermon dragged on and on.

Finally she leaned over to her mother and whispered, "Mummy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?"

Mrs. Terry asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favourite Bible stories.

She was puzzled by Peter's picture, which showed four people on an aeroplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent.

"The Flight to Egypt," was his reply.

Pointing at each figure, Mrs. Terry said, "That must be Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus - but who's the fourth person?"

"Oh”, replied Peter, “that's Pontius, the pilot!"

WISHING WELL

The current recipient is Motor Neurone Disease, which will be followed by The Samaritans. In November Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and in December in the lead up to Christmas, the Food Bank.

Membership Challenge

Let’s keep the momentum going !!

This is not an onerous challenge and only requires you to bring one potential member to one meeting in the year.

CAPTION COMPETITION

Last month we asked our readers to take a look at the two change-over pictures at the start of that newsletter.

The winner was David Hoggard with:

1. Never mind the quality, feel the width .

2.  - - - - and then she took him by the lapels and with a deft twist flung him over her left shoulder.

The Editor’s decision is ABSOLUTELY FINAL

Jacqui Dankworth & Charlie Wood  

in concert at

The Buccleugh Centre, Langholm –

Saturday 4^th November

Does anyone fancy a trip to Langholm to hear Jacqui Dankworth and Charlie Wood in concert on Saturday, 4^th November?

Jacqui is the daughter of Cleo Laine and the late great (Sir) Johnny Dankworth.  In her own right she has become a much admired jazz singer, here accompanied by her husband Charlie Wood in a concert celebrating the great musical partnerships of the past.

I don’t recall the club ever visiting The Buccleugh Centre before, but think this might be a pleasant and pretty inexpensive night if anyone is interested.  Tickets may go quickly, but I will see what is available and get a small party together.

Names, please, in our Blue Book.

BRIAN EDMUNDSON

Fellowship and Sport Committee

 
ROTARY WEBPAGES

Rotary Magazine – current & previous editions

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EDITOR’S NOTE – The Borderer uses the free version of the same ‘issuu’ website!

Rotary Policies

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Rotary Central

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

FUNKY GOLF NIGHT AT EDEN GOLF CLUB

Thursday 24^th August at 5.30pm

A fun evening with supper included at a very reasonable price.

THEATRE BY THE LAKE

Saturday 30^th September at 7.30pm

Seats are booked at the theatre for ‘Handbagged’ an excellent comedy.

Payment at £30 per head for the theatre to David Morton soon please.

Morrells booked for pre-theatre meal at 5.30pm – please arrive on time and pay for what you eat and drink.

AUTUMN WALK

Sunday 8^th October

Splendid walk and lunch arranged by Peter Atkinson.  Full details to follow.

YOUTH SPEAKS

Wednesday 18^th October at 6.00pm

An evening meeting but with a difference.  Excellent entertainment as schools take the floor in the annual debating competition.  Buffet supper.

Jacqui Dankworth & Charlie Wood Concert at Buccleugh Centre ,

Saturday 4^th November

See details elsewhere in this issue

CHARTER NIGHT

Wednesday 29^th November

Our main formal night of the year with guest speaker Peter McCall, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner.  More details to come.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Wednesday 13^th December at Shepherds Inn

Details to follow.

ALTERNATIVE BURNS SUPPER

Wednesday 31^st January 2018

Watch this space.

RECEPTION DESK FOR CLUB MEETINGS

August       23             Stephen Higgs

                30             Malcolm Metcalfe

September 6              David Morton

                13             Ellis Amos

                20             Phil Beadle

                27            

October     4              John Churchill

                11            

                18             Peter Tiplady

                25            

November  1              Ian Watson

                8             

                15            

                22            

                29            

December  6             

                13            

                20             NOT REQUIRED

Club Council Meetings

Club Meetings Programme