Charter Dinner 2011 - A Celebration of our 88th Anniversary

Despite the fact that both President Margaret and Immediate Past President David were unable to attend due to significant family commitments - and the Mayor tripped and seriously injured one of her hands while on her way to the top table - it was another enjoyable evening.  And Vice President Patrick, as well as organising the whole event, was "in the chair" for the evening.

DG Les, with his wife Norma, in earnest conversation with Past President Eddy Marchant, Master of Ceremonies (or Sergeant At Arms - note the spanner in his hand, used as a gavel to call things to order!). 
DG Les explained his unusual tie by telling me that he'd dashed back from That Wedding to be with us.  (I think he was exaggerating.)

A vision in red.
Past President Colin Beswick and his wife Linda take it easy before the meal. 
David Beckham was not the only one to wear his MBE in the right (or wrong) lapel that day!

Our special guests, with VP Patrick and his wife Pat, waiting to make their way to the Top Table.
From left to right - Lieutenant General Robin Brims, the Mayor of Durham Mamie Simmons and her consort for the evening, DG Les and his wife Norma.

After the kerfuffle of the Mayor's accident, members and guests settle down to await their meal.

The somewhat depleted Top Table.

After the meal came the traditional welcomes and toasts.  Secretary Jim was pleased to be able to welcome visitors from the Rotary Clubs of Stanley and Spennymoor.

In responding to a toast to Rotary International, DG Les, in singing the praises of the work of our Club, noted that we are the largest Club in the District and that since Durham boasts two other Clubs, Durham must be a "hot-bed of Rotary"!  He also had some kind words to say about the way the three Clubs often work together on joint projects. He went on to reflect on the work of Rotary around the world, especially in relation to the eradication of polio.

After VP Patrick toasted our guests and visitors, we heard an interesting and thought-provoking address from Lieutenant General Robin Brims CB CBE DSO DL (to give him his full title) that he had titled "A bit of military and a bit of education".  Reflecting on his 40 years in the army, and his important roles both in Northern Ireland and in the invasion of Iraq, he had some pithy points to make about the role of the military as the "middlemen" between the failures and successes of the politicians.  He also touched briefly on his role as Vice-Chancellor at a university in Kurdistan that he had told us about at one of our regular weekly meetings.

VP Patrick wound up the evening with a heartfelt expression of our thanks to Robin and the news from the local hospital that the Mayor had dislocated a thumb.  We wish her a speedy recovery.