Business meeting

From now on we will be holding our business meetings on Zoom. Unfortunately our Treasurer, Bob Booker, had difficulty with his Zoom connection, so was unable to present his usual Treasurer’s Report.

The minutes of the previous business meeting were approved.

In her District Report, Anne Moriaty said there were still some places available for the Rotary Foundation District Dinner on 23 February. Anne will attend the District Final of Young Musician taking place tomorrow but, as District Governor, she cannot be seen to support the competitors sponsored by our Club.

She mentioned that the Rotary Club of Halstead is taking part in an initiative to make Halsstead a “dementia-friendly town”. She suggested that we approach the other Chelmsford Rotary Clubs to see if they would join us in an initiative to make Chelmsford a dementia-friendly city by our centenary in 2027. This was agreed.

President Francis told us that, from April onwards, we will hold a business meeting on Zoom on the first Thursday of the month, meet at the Ivy Hill Hotel on the second and fourth Thursday and arrange a Fellowship Meeting on the third Thursday. Different arrangements will apply in June, which is the last month of the Rotary year.

Alison Moses reported that so far ten members have booked to attend the Fellowship Meeting at The Hive on 13 February; others can turn up on the day and choose from the menu if they wish.

John Watkins and Keith Otter will liaise regarding the Fellowship Meeting at John’s house on 13 March. John will need to know the numbers attending by the preceding Monday. Graham Furnival and Keith Otter will liaise regarding bookings for the joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Billericay.

Francis will contact the other Chelmsford Clubs about the possibility of holding a joint Christmas Dinner this year.

It was agreed the Club should pay for two students to attend this year’s LAMP.

There is now a parking fee to be paid at the car park opposite the Danbury Village Hall. Members helping at the Spring Jumble Sale need to log their car registration number on the screen in the Hall to avoid paying this.