Business and Membership Meetings

Today we held a business meeting to discuss, in addition to the usual financial and committee reports, the vexed question of future meeting arrangements. Thanks to Jenny Black’s expertise in setting up the link, with the assistance of the Chelmsford Rugby Club’s Clubhouse Manager, three members who would not otherwise have been able to take part attended via Zoom. This was our first attempt at a hybrid meeting.

Jenny started the Zoom link after lunch. The Membership and Public Image Committee reminded members that we will be holding a Rotary Shwocase at the Rugby Club on Thursday, 11 May. The Foundation & International Committee is finalising the arrangements for the Club’s visit to Sanctus on 27 April. The Youth Service Committee has organised the certificates and bought the medallions to be awarded as part of our Coronation Crown Competition for primary school children.

During the discussions on future meetings arrangements, the members made it clear how much they valued the fellowship enjoyed through our shared meals. Neither of the two current venues is completely suitable for everybody, so it would make sense to continue using both. On the other hand there was also a widely-held feeling that, given the changes in the Club, Rotary and the wider world, on one Thursday a month we should do something completely different, like supporting a project, visiting a place of interest or meeting for lunch in a restaurant.

Following a vote, it was decided that two meetings each month should be held at the Chelmsford Rugby Club and one at the Ivy Hill Hotel. The remaining Thursday would be used for other activities.