The Month That Was Sept 25

We could not have hoped for a nicer day: the sun shone, the temperature was perfect, the views stunning, the talks fascinating, the pub lunch outstanding – what more could one desire!! 

Lead by Jim Hardcastle from the Charterhouse centre and supported by Andrew Buchanan and Nathan Orr, we met up at Deer Leap and took a shortish stroll heading westwards along the ridge with Jim and Tom pointing out the many aspects of the Mendips ANOB regeneration project and numerous examples of the importance to wildlife of the Mendip drystone walls, of which are over 400km in length. The main habitat improvement is based around two species, firstly the Sky Lark and secondly the Adder. These species are very symbolic of the Mendip Hills. By improving the habitats for these many other species benefit.

Eating Disorders

For our third Monday meeting in the month, following on from the Committee meetings, members reconvened at the Museum for our monthly club’s business meeting.

The good news was that with the new PA system now set up and tuned up, the audio experience for most was much improved. Now doubt there are still a few tweaks and disciplines that we can adopt to further improve the facility and experience for all.

Our engagement partner for the evening was Gavin Osborn from SWEDA – South West Eating Disorders Association.

What an informative evening it was: holding his audience for 40 plus minutes we all left so much more aware of the causes, issues and symptoms of eating challenges. Although the Q&A session extended well beyond its allocated time slot, such was the interest of members in the topic and related issues, a small group nevertheless managed to make it across to The Crown for supper before the kitchen closed!! Post event Gavin has asked that the club supports SWEDA at a number of upcoming events in and around Wells. When the detail of these emerges, many members will no doubt be volunteering their time.

Although eating disorders effect all age groups, it is the influence of social media on young people that makes them the most vulnerable to the problems and challenges that SWEDA is seeking to ameliorate. Why not visit their site and listen to Jessica’ story

https://swedauk.org/blogs-posts/jessica_story

Cider & Cheese

Although not a Rotary project a double handful of members volunteered their time in support of the Cathedral’s inaugural cider and cheese festival at the end of the month. Not knowing what they had let themselves in for on arrival the intrepid team were asked alongside volunteers from Alan’s walking group to manage the Wilkins Cidre and Cathedral gin bars: a role we were suited if not uniquely qualified to handle!!! Needless to say, all who engaged enjoyed participating.

The event was surprisingly well attended (over 1,500 visitors and by all measures likely to be viewed a big success with a high chance of the club being asked to support next year.