2020 - 21 Derek's year

Jane Hart and Maggie Falconer, have done magnificent job with organising and executing, a ‘Donations’ events on Bingham Market Place, and in Cotgrave, where the public were invited to give items desperately needed by Tara’s Angels and Shelter.

Anne Daly, has also brilliantly taken on the task of organising, and executing a ‘Donations Event” on Bingham Market Place, for Grantham Food Bank, which will look after people in need, for the whole of the Vale of Belvoir. Anne is also investigating ‘text-giving’ for our Club, and hopes to have it established very soon.

Chris Netherwood and our Youth Committee, have struggled hard because of Covid, but have succeeded with delivering Dictionaries4Life to Local Junior Schools. This Committees ‘groundbreaking’ initiative on establishing Rotakids in our junior schools, have reported that they are temporarily having to put  this ‘on hold’ because of the Coronavirus situation in our schools.

There are more details of our activities in my statement, on behalf of our Club on Facebook.

My descriptions of what our Committees are doing, during these difficult times, unintentionally really does not do justice to all of the hard work and time, given by many of our Club Members. More detailed reports of what we do can be on our Club’s Website and Facebook pages.

                                                                                                                                          8 December 2020

At the beginning of the year Derek stated:

"Our previous Rotary year was very successful, under the leadership of last year’s joint Presidents Jane & Maggie, and all of our Club Members are unanimous in thanking them both for all their hard work and dedication, in ensuring that our club continued to be held in high esteem in the community that we serve and represent. We are entering a new era now, in the respect that I am the first “Second Time Around President”(I was last President 23 years ago). Gordon has very kindly agreed to keep this trend going, by saying that he will be President, next Year. 

I am very honoured to be taking over as the President of Our Club, and hope we can continue to make a difference tomany people’s lives.Gordon and I have decided to work together for the next two

years:

(i) to help our Club through ‘Pandemic Times’;

(ii)manage the transition back to ‘normal times’;

(iii) and then to develop our Club ‘Post Pandemic’.

INTERNATIONALLY

Through Rotary Foundation Stan and his Committee wish to continue to support Rotary International in its fight to eliminate Polio. Polio is almost eliminated worldwide, but we must not relax until it is wiped from the face of the earth.

NATIONALLY

Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland is urging people to continue their kindness, saying volunteering is not just for lockdown. It will have a vital role to play in the new normal world too. For many years, our club has supported national charities and good causes: While Rotary believes it is vitally important for people to help

out now, the bigger challenge lies ahead, as things begin to return to a “new normal”, and the longer-term impact on our communities and society in general becomes clearer.”

Our Committees have declared 100% support for anything that we can do, both financially and physically to support this LOCALLY and David Eldridge as chair of our Community Services Committee will outline plans where our Club can help with problems caused by the Pandemic, and with problems that are likely to arise after the Pandemic; and Chris Netherwood as chair of the Youth Committee will outline how they plan to continue with their excellent work with Rotakids Clubs, and Dictionaries for Life."

9 July 2020

Derek welcomed the members who had joined this, the first “drop in” meeting. He explained that, following the meeting, he would welcome members views and suggestions on the format of the evening. He stressed that this was a social, not a business, meeting and, other than urgent matters, business would be discussed via the normal channels. He reported that Maggie had received an update from Ashmores which would be reopening on 6^th August. He and Gordon would be visiting Ashmores before that date to see what arrangements would be in place for our meetings. Additionally, he reported that Gordon had booked next year’s Charter.

 The members present then discussed at length the relocation of the Art Exhibition display boards from Allington to a new storage facility. Roy stressed the need for an appropriate Risk Assessment to be in place for this activity as well as one for a return to Ashmores in addition to any guidelines prepared by the restaurant itself.

Chris raised the issue of the President Nominee position which, following the resignation of Chris Henley and the subsequent elevation of Derek and Gordon, was now vacant. Additionally, he pointed out that a further President nominee would be required in December. Following discussion, it was agreed that the joint secretaries would send out a nomination form for the post as soon as possible.

Following a question from Chris, David E gave a brief update on the current position in respect to supporting the local Community. Apart from one donation pending there were no other projects in the pipeline. Following discussion, it was agreed that at the present time we were better supporting local initiatives e.g. food banks, rather than instigating our own.

Alan F put forward the idea of running a weekly, voluntary intra-Club raffle to raise funds for the trust account. The idea met with general approval from the members present and Alan agreed to move the project forward.

Rob questioned why the Club was only meeting on a fortnightly basis rather than weekly and suggested that each meeting should have a focus e.g. a quiz or a speaker rather than just a general chat.

Concern was expressed that a meeting was limited to 40 minutes under the current Zoom arrangements and it was felt an extended subscription should be acquired. As a current subscriber Stan offered the use of his subscription for future meetings.

Derek announced that Jill Bethell would be joining Club for the Zoom meeting on 6^th August and had been invited to next year’s Charter.

The meeting ended at 7.47pm.

23 July 2020

1. Welcome:  Derek welcomed the 21 members who had joined on Zoom. He explained that the evening was part of the transitional process aimed at the resumption of the regular meetings, physical or virtual. He expressed the hope that all of those online would participate and asked that everybody would observe Zoom “protocol”.

2. Membership Fee Update:  Unfortunately, Anne was not present at the meeting but it was understood that there were only a small number of outstanding subscriptions.

3. Health & Safety issues with regard to resuming meetings at Ashmores: Derek explained that he, Gordon and Roy, would be visiting to Ashmores to review their arrangements for complying with social distancing guidelines. The visit would not take place until after the end of July as Roy was currently ‘shielding’. A recent email received from Rotary International emphasised that not only should the risk assessment prepared by Ashmores meet Covid compliance guidelines but our own risk assessment should satisfy those issued by RI or else we would not be covered by the Rotary Insurance policy.

4. Nominations for Vice President: Trevor reported that to date no nominations had been received for the vacant post of Vice-President. Nominations were due to be in by 31st July. Derek suggested that if no nominations were received by this date the Club would have to consider how to move forward.

 5. Web development: Mike reported that, following his message to members enquiring as to whether they wished to receive an email when part of the web site was updated, he had received only a couple of replies opting out. The website team would therefore notify the rest of the members of any additional information added to the website.

6. Arts & Craft boards: Mary reported that the Boards had now been removed from Allington and transported to their new home. It was agreed that a letter and small gift should be sent to David Shelton as thanks for storing the boards. Derek was to write a letter of thanks to David, but Derek agreed that we should invite him to attend, Club as our guest, and even see if he is willing to be a speaker. Mary also thanked all those members who had assisted in the relocation process. Mary also reported that she agreed with Steve Cole to run the Art and Craft Fair at the Blue Diamond Garden Centre on the first weekend in July 2021.

7. Quiz: Rob gave out the answers to the quiz which had previously been circulated to members.

8. Any other business

·         Derek reported that he had received a suggestion from Stan that tea/coffee/BBQ meetings held in Member's Gardens with 6 or 7 hosts allowing all Club members, including partners, to attend. Groups of up to 6, including the hosts, with random seating to ensure a good mix. Gordon agreed to send out details aimed at starting this initiative.

·         Chris expressed a hope that we would soon be moving to weekly meetings either physically or online. Derek explained that the transitional process was aimed at achieving this.

9. Date of next meeting:  Derek announced that the next “Zoom” meeting would take place in two weeks (6.8.20), when the District Governor Jill Bethell would be attending. He expressed a hope that there would be a good turn-out to give the new DG a good “Vale of Belvoir” welcome.

10. Final Toast

The meeting closed at 8.00pm                                                                                   R Gray

6 August Zoom Meeting

1. Welcome:  Derek welcomed the 23 members who had joined on Zoom. He later welcomed DG Jill Bethell MBE to our meeting.

Apologies: Anne Daly, David Eldridge, Alan Wilson, and Peter Jordan, Bill Banner, Carole Capper, Chris Netherwood, Doug Downing

2. Loyal Toast:  Derek proposed the Loyal Toast

3. Clubs Visited: Steve Lawes said he had visited the new Long Bennington Club. The Club has a young and vibrant  membership.  Their President, James sends his Club’s Clubs best wishes to our Club, and they hope to visit us when conditions prevail.

4. Urgent Club Business.

(i) Derek reported that following the distribution of nomination forms for the post of President Nominee/JVP. Rob Gray had offered his name. There were no other nominations, and Rob was therefore duly elected.

(ii) Stan Taylor, Chair of the International Committee referred to the urgent appeal by Val Leivers and endorsed by the District Governor, for humanity assistance to be given a community in Hyderabad in India. Club discussed the appeal and it was agreed that under standing orders, Stan should give a donation of £100, to this appeal.

(iii) Derek reported that the Treasurer had now received all the Membership fees, however he regretted that Neil Dexter was to resign for personal reasons. Derek regretted Neil’s resignation.

(iv) Derek and Gordon, had visited Ashmores to discuss with Jo and Mark the Covid -19 safety measures, which they have in place. It was agreed that Roy Morledge, as Club H&S officer, would prepare a Risk Assessment report for all Members to consider. Derek reported that Ashmores are already fully booked throughout August. They can accommodate 30 covers, but they need a minimum of 24 to make opening viable. Gordon would now send a questionnaire to all Members to determine how many Members would be likely to return to Club Meetings, at Ashmores.

(v) Gordon is to ask Members if they would support Stan’s suggestion of attending “a tea in the garden event”, or alternatively hosting such an event. Covid -19 rules would apply.

5. District Governor Jill Bethell MBE

  Special message today is Rotary opens opportunities for all. She was grateful for the opportunity to attend our Zoom meeting, and to hear what she knows is a positive and energetic Club, and the way we deal with Club Business in the present situation. Zoom gives Clubs the opportunity to explore how we could attract new Membership.

The average age of the Membership in District 1220 is 75, and most of the Membership is at and above retirement age. This forecast is a danger that some Clubs may not continue. The challenge is to grow our Membership, to attract young working people, perhaps young working family groups. Use our contacts to seek opportunities for new membership from within business, higher education and the public sector. Explore the potential for e-Clubs. 

The spirit of Rotary is passed to schools through Rota Kids in primary schools, and this should be developed perhaps in higher education. Let us turn the tide and bring in the younger age. Allen Richmond said that we had probably spent the last 10 years focused on different ways to attract new, hopefully younger members. Our successes have been in attracting lady members and our Club had been the first in District to set up two Rota Kids groups and a third group is hoped to start this year.

Rob Gray welcomed Jill’s encouragement for satellite Clubs, as we were considering exploring the opportunity in the RAF Newton housing area. Steve Lawes said that Jill’s thoughts of thinking outside the box were in line with Vale of Belvoir’s philosophy.

Derek thanked Jill for her presentation and her refreshing encouragement.  

 Guy presented an update on the work of this Educational Charity which has now been active for over 25 years in Nottinghamshire with the aim of “Helping children make healthy choices”.  LECN has been busy responding to children’s and family’s needs in the pandemic. This has involved adapting their interactive programmes and courses to online delivery for their work with children and parents.

For children, new educational programmes with a mental health focus for primary aged children were developed in the summer of 2020 and then delivered from September via Zoom direct into children’s classrooms. This project is called “SCARF Live Online”. In addition to the live programmes, schools can also access Life Education’s SCARF curriculum. SCARF stands for “Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship” and is made up of over 300 fully resourced lessons for children aged 3 through to 11. It covers all aspects of personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE). This is greatly helping schools deliver the new compulsory Health and Relationships Education Curriculum launched by the Department for Education in 2019 but delayed to 2021 due to the Pandemic. This new curriculum focuses on helping children look after their own physical and mental health, stay safe both online and off line, develop respectful relationships with friends and family and contribute positively to their community.

For parents and carers, LECN has devised new online courses for its Family Learning Provision including “Helping Children Manage Anxiety and Return to School” and these have been well attended. LECN greatly appreciate the donations made by the Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club to help it maintain it’s very important work in Nottinghamshire with children and their families.

15 October 2020 Zoom Meeting – Carole’s job talk

 To change the format somewhat we thought we try a ‘job talk’, and managed to get a willing volunteer in Carole Capper

Before Carole started a bit of Club business took place: Steve Carson declared that Christmas was cancelled this year! Alan F. gave us an update on the 50/50 Club in that 37 numbers had been sold and only 7 Rotarians still to respond.

Carole gave us a brief insight into her childhood in that she had attended several Convent schools and thus decided she did not want to go to college or University.

So she started work in Martins Bank (Midland then HSBC) in Whitehall, London. She then moved on to become a secretary for BUPA, then the Institute of Directors, she mentioned a Jazz Club in Oxford Street and was obviously ‘Living the Life’.  But her fiancé wished for them to escape from London, moving to Bracknell, where she worked for ICT (Fujitsu), then working as a Laboratory technician in a chemical department at a local school, for which she had no qualifications, but managed to dowse some mercury in sulphur a there was no room in the fume cupboard, she also mentioned some lithium exploding to the ceiling, she obviously had some impact!

She mentioned that her husband was working in Norway. She moved on into contract work, apparently closing down Radio rentals, then moving to her beloved Devon.

Derek thanked Carole after she handled a number of questions thrown at her (although no one asked why she kept changing her job so frequently, it was probably individual circumstances of the positions she held and in order to 'move up the job ladder' in her area of work, it was necessary to change jobs.)

Derek felt that this type of meeting was a great improvement and asked for other volunteers and for Roy to check out the District list of Zoom speakers.  Nicki from Tara’s Angels had indicated at the recent event that Jane and Maggie had organised had offered to speak to Club.  David V. suggested that it might be interesting for people to talk for a few minutes on their memorable experiences, or the most interesting person they had ever met..

This ended the meeting on a positive note and it will be interesting to see what happens next.     AR

29 October 2020 Zoom Meeting – Tara’s Angels – Nikki Brindley MBE

Following Club’s recent support of a fund raising event for Tara’s Angels and Shelter in Bingham’s Buttercross on the 8^th of October, Nikki agreed to talk to Club at our Zoom meeting.

She explained that her ‘day job’ is working for DWP at the Job Centre, which she has done for the last 21 years. Six years ago she met a lady with two children just before Christmas in a refuge from Domestic violence.  So she started fund raising with friends and anyone she could to try and buy some Christmas presents for the children.

The Tara Newbold was killed 4 years ago by her partner and their three children witnessed the attack and consequently ‘Tara’s Angels’ was formed to raise awareness of Domestic violence. Tara lived in West Bridgford and many of the people there and in Rushcliffe generally think Domestic Violence is an ‘Inner City’ problem…it is NOT.

The funds are used to provide basic essentials for those in the 6 refuges across Nottingham and such things as CCTV Doorbells for those who decide to stay in their homes.

Nikki the handled a number of questions from Rotarians, varying from “what increases has there been since Covid and lockdown?”… she estimates 167% increase!

How does she interface with Social Services? She has had ‘Safeguarding training with them and lots of cooperation, which now means dealing with Domestic violence is her full time job now.

What about numbers in each refuge? She gave an example with 6 ladies and 13 children, but on a positive not she suggested it was a “house of fun”!...where one child didn’t want to leave when he and his Mum could return home.  Probably about 85 children across the whole of Nottingham.

Are the sufferers from Nottingham? No generally from outside the region for the safety of the families, with an average stay of 6 or 7 months.  She gave an example of a lady who was found with her 6 children in the cellar of a property.

What about the children’s education? Nikki could not praise the local schools enough in their cooperation, although some do go for ‘home schooling’. Maggie gave Nikki a heart-warming vote of thanks for her presentation and the work she does and assured her that The Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club would try and support her in the coming months.

Nikki responded by saying that she was honoured and explained that she was the daughter of an x Rotarian.              AR

10 December 2020 Zoom Meeting – ChildLine/NSPCC – Katie Bannister

Katie is based in rural Norfolk as the ChildLine Co-ordinator for ChildLine Nottingham, currently with 96 volunteers (under normal circumstances 160).  She explained Childline was founded in 1986 but joined forces with the NSPCC in 2006 to support and help more children and young people across the UK.

She outlined the 10 most common reasons for a child to contact them from the last annual review:

Mental or emotional Health issues (Anxiety, loneliness…);   Family relationships;  Suicidal thoughts or feelings;   Bullying ; Self-harm;  Friendship issues;  Sex, relationships, puberty or sexual health;  Problems in school or with education; Sexual abuse (including online sexual abuse);  Physical abuse

Katie emphasized their confidentiality statement, such that no calls are recorded and they use technology such that the child’s telephone call does not appear on their parents account. She indicated that sexual abuse may not always be reported to the appropriate authorities without the child’s permission, so that the power for action is passed back to the child.

In 2018/19 they had 250,281 counselling sessions, but are still unable to respond to 1 in 3 children who contacted. They are constantly looking for volunteers, but offer a comprehensive 12 to 14 week training course, but have to agree to perform a 4 hour shift for at least 40 weeks per year.

Katie then took questions which she fielded very well, ranging from:

Do volunteers have to attend the base or can they just use their phone? On-line email correspondence will be coming shortly 

Where are the bases & how many? 12 (Nottingham and Birmingham in the Midlands)

How many calls would you average in a 4 hour shift? 4 is probably the average, but obviously that depends on the nature of the call…some can last 1.5 hours

What’s the average age of the children?  Generally over 5, but mostly teenagers

What percentage are about abuse? From the last review sexual abuse was 4% on contacts and physical abuse was 3%

How do you determine where the child lives if there are serious problems? We work with the child to try to establish this but there is technology to help.

Have the numbers increased during the pandemic?  I cannot confirm this until our next annual review

What feedback do you get? Some, but not necessarily to the volunteer involved.  However, there is a forum and Dame Esther has put some feedback interviews on You Tube.

What’s the demography of the volunteers? It’s a mix mostly, women and mostly retired people, with a good mix of students (generally studying psychology or counselling). Is it intentional to keep ChildLine and NSPCC separate? Different target audiences, children and adults for NSPCC. It was mentioned that in our formative years our Club had organised a concert to raise funds for ChildLine, which were presented personally to Dame Esther.

Stan gave a Vote of thanks, expressing what an interesting presentation we had received, how strong ChildLine has developed and our appreciation for Katie joining our Zoom Meeting, which was well supported with ‘visual applause’                                                                                                 AR

17 December 2020  Christmas Zoom Meeting. President Derek welcomed us to what is our normal Christmas Dinner celebration, but under present circumstamces became a Christmas Quiz & Bingo Zoom! It is also the time when we normally present the Bernie Ashman Trophy for fellowship, but it was felt approriate to postpone the award.

Stan had made a suggestion that he shared with the 27 + partners attending for us to create a Virtual New Year’s eve Zoom, probably starting about 8.45 pm and celebrating the New Year at about 10 pm, joining up with South Africa, where it would be Midnight.

It was then over to Master of Ceremonies Rob to present the Quiz and Bingo activities.

He had circulated a Christmas Anagram quiz and Dingbats quiz, for which he now gave the answers which I personally had struggled, but inevitably a couple of ‘Smart A…s’ had managed  the maximum 28 points…both former teachers!(name names I hear you cry….(I believe it was GT and DV?)

Then, the Christmas quiz of Zoom, which again was quite challenging with 15 musical questions, identifying Christmas songs from very short introductions. I believe Steve Carson, no doubt ably assisted by wife Jane managed 31.5 points out of 40, highly commendable.

Two games of Bingo followed with MC Rob showing off his Bingo number knowledge e.g. 2 fat ladies = 88, entertaining as Zoom Bingo does not have the fastest pace and all I could manage was 9 numbers on the first game, which Ian won and 11 numbers on the second game which Roy won. All in all a good evening’s entertainment well organised by Rob, having distributed the quizzes and individual Bingo card over the internet.                                                                                       AR

31st December 2020 New Year’s Eve Zoom Meeting

Stan and Shirley, as “virtual hosts” welcomed us to the ‘extravaganza celebration’ at the end of a year of challenge, but looking positively forward to a better “vaccination year” in 2021.

They welcomed some guests to our meeting with Alan and Chris Howe, Brenda and Philip Straw, Brian and Linda Richards, as well as spouses of members.

We had received in advance electronic quizzes from David V and a Bingo Quiz from Pam, but first the cultural entertainment started with a new Covid poem from Pam Ayers, which was expressively presented by Jackie (of EBDG fame!)

Next to line up were Stan and Shirley acting (or hobbling in Shirley’s case) the comedy sketch of Mr Spigot (a one-legged Shirley) having applied for a role as ‘Tarzan’ and Stan had to explain why really, she wasn’t suitable!

Duncan, ably assisted by Penny had ’writ’ a Pantomime called ‘Pots and Pans’, starring Jackie (as Meg) being pursued romantically by the villain, Lord Stilton (David), but in the end being rescued by PC Dick Dangerfield (Rob). The presentation was full of typical corny pantomime script, but cleverly twisted so that “cooking related” terminology could be woven in; the object being to try and count the number of “cooking” terms used in the whole event. Duncan asked for guesses and the answers started in the mid 30’s, but ending at 45, so he then encouraged people to ‘higher scores’, but no one reached the final total at 63….but we’ll take Duncan’s word for it… personally I couldn’t count them as I was rolling about laughing at the well delivered humour!

David then went through his two quizzes: Local Heroes was won by Barry and Susan with 11 out of 12.  Then came the cryptic clue quiz on places in Nottinghamshire, which was shared by Steve and Jane with Allen on 10 out of 12(However, there had been a printing blooper where most of us received “German Alley”, rather than “German Valley”, which translates to Saxondale.)

Pam was next to put across her Bingo Quiz, which was well constructed with topical questions and you had the individual choice as to where in the matrix you placed your answer.  The winner was Brenda, managing to get the first vertical line from Pam’s random answers.

We were then entertained by what I believe was based on a Monty Python script about how tough life was in the good old days with Duncan, Rob, David and Stan attempting to beat the previous account, which started with living in a corridor and moving on to people who lived in a lake, a paper bag in a sceptic tank….working 20 hours a day and being thrashed by their father on returning to their dwelling, or I think sliced in two by father with a bread knife!!

On for more “alcoholic culture” with Jackie back centre stage outlining the recipe for a seasonal Gin…but tasting the contents from the bottle of gin used in the concoction too frequently “ to check the quality” became an issue in the end throwing the bowl away and swearing at her enthralled audience!

Clive and Rossy joined us about 9.40pm having been partaking in a ‘family zoom’ that over ran from 1 hour planned to 2.5 hrs!

The magic 10pm hour was approaching fast where we would be joining Cape Town to celebrate midnight (their time)…but NOT fast enough!   However, the multi-talented Duncan then gave us an accompanied rendition of “The Oldest Swinger in Town”. Still a gap remained before the magic hour and this time Duncan came up with “You never see a farmer on a bike”….reminding us of the Old time Music Hall programme.

We then had a digital countdown and everyone celebrated the Virtual New Year.

A great evening of fun and entertainment well planned by Stan and his team…..thanks from everyone!                                     AR

7th January 2021 1^st New Year’s Zoom Meeting - Mike Twells Memoirs

Before President Derek’s welcome, most of the discussion was about the Government’s vaccination programme, with Stan suggesting that Nottinghamshire was “behind the curve”! Derek informed the members that Carmel had delivered a card to Doug expressing all our condolences for Bron’s passing.  Apologies had been received from Bill, Peter and Steve C.  It was then over to Mike Twells who had agreed to share some memories from his teaching career and some of the personalities that he had the privilege to meet.

He had always had an interest in athletics and in his final year of college he and a friend decided to hitch hike to the Rome Olympics, where they had the good fortune to by chance meet in a pool area Chris Brasher (Roger Bannister’s pacemaker and later organiser of the London Marathon) together with the famous Australian middle distance phenomenon Herb Elliott!

His best friend from college, David Jackson, who also became his best man at his marriage to Maureen, naturally was also an avid athletics teacher and told Mike about a 13 year old student of his who he felt had potential.  So he started giving extra training to this lad, one Seb Coe & the rest is history: World champion at various distances, President of the International Athletic Federation and eventually crowning his political career to become Lord Coe!

Mike started his teaching at Margaret Glenn Bott School in Wollaton in the 60’s, teaching 13 year olds.  He remembers one pupil in particular called Leon, a German boy who had escaped from East to West Germany, then finishing in Wollaton.  The media found out about this and Mike was interviewed on Television with Leon.

The Mike and Maureen moved to the school in Hawksworth in the vale, with about 40 pupils and quite soon the Master of The S.Notts Hunt asked if they could start the Hunt in front of the school in Hawksworth and allow the children to meet the riders and horses.

Next the move to Aslockton with about 200 children and expanding, so that an extension was required, which was opened in 1969 by the then Minister for Education, Margaret Thatcher!

Nottingham Forest were doing very well at the time, so Mike formed a Junior Reds Supporters Club and two of their European Cup winning side visited the school (John Robertson and Captain John McGovern.)

Mike was also very interested in Cricket and entered a team in the National Primary school’s competition and they managed to qualify to represent the Midlands at the finals at Edgbaston.  But as cricket does, it rained, but undaunted Mike spoke to the organisers (Bob Willis and Trevor Bailey), suggesting that the competition could go ahead at the Warwickshire Indoor training facility.

Next an interesting time with Jimmy Saville (Jim will fix it and Top of the Pops fame and raiser of about £40m of money for Charity causes. This came about as the school was used as a starting venue for the various Charity Walks organised over the next 5 years. (later in the evening Jane confessed to having sat on Jimmy’s knee at one of the events, as a 13 year old school girl and when asked said that her dream would be to meet Harvey Smith (of horse jumping fame).

Moving swiftly on, because of the association with Thomas Cranmer, born in Aslockton, later rising to become The Archbishop of Canterbury, Mike thought a project to celebrate the 500^th anniversary would be appropriate and contacted Robert Rumsey, the current Archbishop, who immediately suggested that Mike take a group of children involved in the project to visit him at Lambeth Palace. This led on to an invitation to the Anniversary service at Westminster Abbey, where Mike was introduced to the petite, smoking Princess Margaret.  However, that day was “topped off” when they were getting on the train, the guard told Mike of some “special” people on the train, that perhaps they would like to meet?  It turned out to be the pilots of The Red Arrows flying team! Various questions and comments came from the members and finally President Derek gave a glowing Vote of Thanks for the last minute excellent presentation, followed by the usual thanks from everyone!                         AR

11th February 2021 1^st Zoom Meeting – James Fisher – Farming and Brexit

Prior to our guest speaker President Derek gave Club some feedback on a District meeting he had attended: 314 boxes given to refuges; Nicki Allot spoke about increasing membership: 1.Increasing impact on the local community 2. All the volunteers that had emerged with Covid, could well be interested in joining a voluntary organisation 3. Why do members leave 4.Increase the ability to adapt.

Mike C updated us on John S’s hospitalisation moving to get additional physiotherapy.

Our Speaker James then joined us and explained that his career in farming had been fairly steady evolution, but the next 10 years?? He had been asked to cover: 1. the impact of Covid 2. The impact of Brexit 3. Environmental issues

First comment re Covid was that he was quite delighted to know that farmers were classed as “essential workers”, but it had created hardships in the livestock business.

We then had some interesting history, relating that he was born in Shelford as the eldest son of the eldest son, which had happened through 13 generations of the Fisher family since 1636! He would be handing over the farm to Adam, his eldest son and hopefully his grandson would continue for two more generations. Personally he had worked in the States, until his visa ran out, then back to Clitheroe on a dairy Farm, before returning to Shelford.

We then had some background about The Crown Estates, big land stakeholders, owning everything in Shelford but the Pub, but also Bingham, Tythby to the Vale of Belvoir. Initially it was owned by Lord Carnarvon, but his energy was diverted to Egypt, Howard Carter and Tutankhamun, the rest is history ending with his death and the death duties issues.  This was exacerbated when his son died fairly soon afterwards and the Carnarvon Estate could not afford the death duties, so the Queen took over in 1930 and rental was then paid to the Crown on an acreage basis. Crown Estates has been a good Landlord sympathetic to the tenants and the environment, who has done well with all the development in Bingham, but more recently has sold some of the estates to invest in Regent Street and Oxford Street, but with the impact of Covid may not have been a sensible option?

James moved farms in 1984 to Newton, taking on 400 acres, but also ‘contract working’ a further 2000 acres. Crops of wheat, sugar beet, potatoes, oil seed rape and 3 acres of Christmas trees (for the last 30 years, acquired through Paul Hope)

He briefly explained about whet and the World market, based on the Chicago grain exchange.  Their potatoes are solely for crisping with KP Crisps, the British Market preferring ‘white’ rather than darker crisps.  However, this is not good environmentally having to store 15 000 tons of potatoes at 11 degrees C until May/June, as the temperature affects the starch/sugar balance and hence the colour when cooked!

Oil seed rape is used for vegetable oils and in the lubricant industry, but has suffered because the insecticide used has been banned 3 years ago, due to its impact on the bees.

Sugar beet is probably down 20% this year and it is processed locally at Newark, mainly into syrup.

Technology is greatly assisting in future developments, with tractors controlled by GPS, both planting and artificial fertilizer spraying.  Robotics are not far away, together with the use of cameras. The impact is that 2 men can handle 2000 acres compared with 200 acres in the past.

The European Common Agricultural Policy has been quite good for Britain and the value of the pound has helped.  The Government promised that farmers would not lose out with Brexit and are proposing a new “Environmental Land Management scheme” covering tree planting, hedges and wild flower margins, but the details have yet to be announced.

He feels that farmers will struggle although wheat and livestock will travel tariff free, currently there is chaos at the ports with paperwork, but that should get sorted.

On the environment we have all the discussion about Global warming, but on Wednesday night Scotland experienced the coldest night (-23 degrees C) since 1953, following two very wet, milder winters.

CO2 emissions are quite high in the farming industry, but electric tractors are limited at present, but have a future.  Severn Trent are using Bio digesters to generate 17& of their energy needs.

Solar panels have been seen widely on rented farmland as The Crown Estates are not permitted Feed in Tariffs.

His final plea was “please buy British food”, we follow the rules, it all has passports and can be traced with full security, which cannot be said for Europe!

Various questions and comments came from the members well fielded by James and finally Adrian gave a glowing Vote of Thanks for the excellent presentation, suggesting there was potential for further talks from James; followed by the usual thanks from everyone!                                                                                                                       AR

25th February 2021 1st Zoom Meeting – Len Jackson – MySight and David Eldridge - Living in Spain

Prior to our guest speaker President Derek made some respectful comments about the recent sad death of John Spence, before we had a minutes silence for remembrance and reflection.

Our first speaker, who is well known to many of us who support the East Bridgford Drama Group, Len then joined us and explained that MySight had replaced the former Royal Society for the Blind, who had asked him in 2012 to become the President.  He gladly accepted, but wanted to really get involved, fund raising and getting their hands dirty(he mentioned that David and Jackie had been very supporting in fund raising initiatives, bringing in £20 000 over the last few years)

On his personal background he was brought up in Salford with two blind parents, thus classing him as a ‘Manchester Cockney’….born within the sounds of Old Trafford and Manchester United!  However, he felt that having blind parents widened his skills, so that by his teenage years he was good at ironing, shopping and cooking and gave him a great respect for blind people, who you should never underestimate.

Covid has brought many problems to blind people for which the news indicates that there will be additional money available to provide technology assistance with voice recognition and other software for befriending services and mobile libraries.

“Can you imagine the isolation that blind people have been going through with Covid?” Social distancing is very difficult, they cannot be involved in Zoom meetings, without the technology or skills, and consequently loneliness is increasing dramatically. We need to get them out of the house, don’t patronise them, don’t take them by the arm, let them take yours.  For any volunteers there will be training available for technology befriending service and telephone befriending service.

At 175 years old it’s probably the oldest charity and as such was recognised by Nottinghamshire County Council with an award of The Charity of the Year, which under ‘normal circumstances’ would be a good vehicle for fund raising, but now….?

They have decided to go for a major fund raising event in the form of a County wide raffle starting 1 April with a draw in July.  They have already acquired some excellent prizes: £500 1st prize and £200 for 2nd with A4 posters, A5 flyers and some media publicity whilst also talking to Supermarkets.

David Valentine will be liaising for our Club and Len has also been speaking to several North Notts Rotary Clubs, hoping to raise £5k to £10k.

He related a story about a blind after dinner speaker, Steve Cunningham, who talked about his hobby of parachute jumping! How do you know when to jump? They push you! How do you know when to pull the rip cord? Just count the number they tell you.  What about how do you know when you are approaching the ground?  The dogs lead goes slack! (better when delivered by Len!)

He fielded all the questions and said that people who do not like raffle tickets can simply make a donation in the collecting tins.

Steve Carson thanked Len for his informative delivery, although he had some doubts about his ‘Manchester Cockney’ claim, and took away the message please treat blind people like another human being, which was followed by the usual thanks from everyone!                                                                                                    AR

Living in Spain (Our second Speaker) David Eldridge

In 1988 Judy and David purchased a timeshare in Albufeira in Portugal and fell in love with the Mediterranean climate and way of life.

In 2002 they became involved in standing on Spanish property exhibitions in the UK sending prospective buyers on subsidised visits to view property on the Costa Blanca, and in 2005 they purchased a holiday apartment in Villamartin on the Costa Blanca with the intention of both using and letting the property, with a view to retiring somewhere warmer. In 2007, after a trip to South Africa, David became ill, and was not recovering well, so they made the decision to let their house in Reading and head for the sun. After a short while there they decided that they were going to stay and so had to learn all the rules and the understand the bureaucracy

You need to understand that your passport is not sufficient

You need:           NIE Number                                       Numeri de identidad de extranjero

Residencia                                          Fiscal Resident - In the Spanish tax system

Padron                                                 Electoral Roll

These are necessary to gain access to the Sistema Nacional de Salut (National Health Service)                

You can then get an SIP Card (Access to SNS) or otherwise rely on an EHIC card If you are not resident.

You also have to think differently

Rule 1                   The rules are always different from the UK

                                Stop thinking English...................Think Local      

Take nothing for granted...... Check everything

Understand the rules and use them to your advantage 

Rule 2                   You are not on a perpetual holiday

                                You can’t eat and drink out every night!

Rule 3                   Be self-sufficient, cash wise

                                Don’t bank on getting a job (unless you are happy with 5euro an hour)

                                Stay occupied. The devil and drink find work for idle hands(and minds!)

                                If you want/need to earn money, then set up your own business.                                                                                           David set up a business installing satellite dishes to UK residents.

The political system, both nationally and locally is very different in Europe as they use proportional representation

Most of Southern Europe operates a local government system based on nominated Mayors (normally appointed by the largest political party locally). It can work both for and against you. Each Town or Village has its own Mayor, and they are very much kings of the local castle.  Locally, they totally rule the roost.

You need to understand that it is in your interest to

o   Stay on the right side of them

o   Accept that they are corrupt and corruptible

o   The only authority over them is the Provincial ombudsman

o   Both main political parties  PP and PSOE are equally as bad

Everyone prefers cash as the Spanish have a “tax evasive” mentality, there’s no PAYE, and it’s all ‘self-assessment’.

The Euro came in 1992. The Bank of Spain estimated that in 2018, there were still 268 billion pesetas that  had not been redeemed! A lot of the older Spaniards still believe that the peseta will return.

They stayed in Spain for 8 years, eventually, settling in La Romana, which is a village about 50km inland of Alicante Town.  Marble extraction and wine growing /production are the local industries.

They became involved with a dog rescue and fostering service, making scenery for the  local drama group, and      running a Charity shop, of which Judy became the manager, which was not easy as the Spanish don’t understand  voluntary work.                                                                                AR                                            11 March 2021 Zoom Meeting – KidsOut – Steve Cartwright – Rotary GB&I KidsOut Coordinator

Steve is a member of Cannock R C (District 2010) and a Trustee of the KidsOut Charity (of 3 Rotarian Trustees). He did a PowerPoint Presentation, sharing screen on Zoom with their logo that has a strap line: ‘The Fun and Happiness Charity’ whose objective is to give kids a great time. He pointed out that PDG Michael Longdon is our Rotary District 1220 KidsOut Ambassador, to assist if required.

KidsOut started in 1990 by Kingston RC with a visit to Thorpe Park starting a trend of the annual National Rotary KidsOut day (2nd Wednesday in June) and also mentioning the ROTARY Christmas TOY BOX initiative.  Suggesting that it’s not just about a great day out but supports and works closely with Local Government Child Care, Women’s Refuges.  Originating and promoting ‘World Stories’, designing and funding ‘Phyzzpods’ (Sensory rooms), free toys, Cinema and Pantomime tickets. Relying on Rotary for ‘KidsOut Days’.

He provided some hard facts about ‘Refuge Children’: in 2019 20,000 children fled from domestic abuse, 4 000 of which were re-located away from the abuser in Women’s refuges.  These are the most vulnerable children, with the highest rate of suicide, runaways, school exclusion and 36% of whom turn to drugs and crime by the age of 18, but with intervention 86% do not.

The ROTARY Christmas TOY BOX is a new initiative, everything in a box, age and gender varied.  ‘World Stories’ another initiative with short stories from all over the World, available in 19 languages and 350 000 children registered since 2012

COVID-19 compounded Domestic violence so KIDSOUT Charity facilitated or provided Free Wi-Fi for Refuges, 2 Laptop PC’s and £25/£50 Food Vouchers for the 350+ Refuges they have regular contact with, of which: 42% no Wi-Fi, 78% no TV and 49% no access to PC equipment.

In 2020 over £129,000 (5,160 ‘TOY BOXES’ were donated by Rotary Clubs, with £80 of NEW Toys delivered by KidsOut for Christmas, and will be repeated in 2021.

The National Rotary KidsOut Day giving an opportunity to Children to experience something they would not normally experience: visits to Farms, stables, Theatre, Pantomime, shows, Museums, Activity Centres, Disabled Sports events and in 2019 30 000 children enjoyed.

It doesn’t have to be in June and this year there will be a £2 subsidy and Free Baseball Cap from KidsOut.  There is an alternative option of Free Cinema Tickets.

After Steve’s summary he fielded a few questions and comments about our Club’s experiences with Barry proposing a Vote of Thanks for Steve’s very informative and enthusiastic presentation, which was well supported with ‘visual applause’                                                                                          AR

25th March 2021 Zoom Meeting – View from the cockpit – Adrian Cresswell

 Adrian started with some background of 15 years flying in the RAF preceding his move to commercial flying with BA, for the first 5 years taking on various aircraft, but moving to the 747 Jumbo Jet in 1995.

Once he had given some statistics on the 747 one wonders why he moved to the 747! Weighing 400 tons (same as a high speed train with all the carriages and passengers); 75 m. wide (wider than a football pitch and as long as the pitch, up to the far penalty area), a huge beast, but the most popular aircraft to fly and also liked by the cabin crews.

The photographs started flowing then from Mont Blanc, Venice, Africa and in particular Alexandria, Egypt, close to where Adrian’s grandfather had fought with ‘The Desert Rats’ at El-Alamein. The Pyramids at Giza, the fertile Nile, millions of ‘Crop circles’ in Saudi, the ‘tented’ airport at Jeddah, created to assist in Muslims attending the ‘Hadje’, the Sahara and other pictures where one could see the curvature of the Earth.

Huge Forest fires in Africa, and other examples of Nature’s weather challenges, lightning storms, heavy fog, volcano eruptions, typhoons, and hurricanes.

He had pictures of most of the “bucket list” sites: Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Fuji, Cape Town, Perth (most remote City), Sydney, Uluru, Himalayas, Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Rockies and Vancouver, Chicago, Hoover Dam, San Francisco, Monument Valley, The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls,, Cape Kennedy, New York and The Isles of Scilly.

He concluded with some statistics of his career: 208 different Airports, 58 Countries, 2/3rds of a million passengers, not to mention 30 years of flying small aeroplanes training Cadets at Newton and Cranwell, all the Jet lag and time changes his body experienced over his outstanding career, what a man! He confidently handled the numerous questions that followed, an indication of the attention he had captured with this well travelled audience.

 David E. proposing a Vote of Thanks for Adrian’s very informative and beautifully illustrated presentation, echoed by President Derek, then well supported with ‘visual applause’                       AR

29th April 2021 Zoom Meeting – National Service – Mike Twells

 As a Founder Member of our Club Mike was probably the only one currently, who had experienced National Service, so thought he would like to share some of his memories.

He started in 1956 as an 18 year old, working for an insurance company, enjoying cricket and coaching at Trent Bridge, but deciding to apply for a Teacher Training course at Loughborough College. But he was then contacted by the National Service Recruitment Centre to attend for interview and a medical. It wasn’t really a surprise as the Allies and Russia still regarded each other with suspicion and extra military servicemen were required with Britain’s existing military responsibilities in different parts of the world.

He opted for the RAF as he enjoyed RAF stories from World War 1 and he had an interest in spotting jets, from Meteors to Bombers and Vulcans, and the possibility of seeing such aircraft at closer quarters.

He was ordered to enlist in July, travelling with some trepidation to RAF Cardington in Bedfordshire.  A reception Centre for kitting out recruits and letting them know what to expect in the next two years.  He was set up with 2 sets of Blue uniforms, one for working and training, saving the ‘best’ for going out and on leave. They were also supplied with what was termed a “housewife”, consisting of a small purse with buttons, needles for clothing repairs and a flat piece of metal to slide behind the brass buttons to prevent polish on the jacket. Cutlery with your service number on and a pint mug were also part of the package. His pay was £1...8 shillings per week (£34 todays equivalent) and an identification pass. His civilian clothes were sent home.

Next, after one week came his 8 week training course based at RAF West Kirby, Cheshire.  He classed these as the hardest and most unpleasant weeks of the whole 2 years!  Housed in a billet with 20 others under the control of a Corporal, sergeant and Pilot Officer. The 2 NCO’s he clearly remembers to this day with their instructions delivered in a tone of intimidation and foul language guaranteed to put their recruits in total fear! However they had to convert theses lads to fit, disciplined servicemen ready for active duty.  Marching, saluting, rifle shooting, physical training, cross country, assault courses were the order of every day, with a lot of kitchen duties thrown in for good measure. One recruit had great difficulty in coping, but Mike and his pal brought it to the attention of the Pilot Officer, who relieved the pressure, enabling the lad to complete the course.

Time then to choose the area of work available for the remainder of their service and Mike opted for guarding aircraft on a fighter station, joining the RAF Police (Snowdrops). He was posted to RAF Netheravon, Wilts, Salisbury Plain, where he was trained for 4 weeks in guard room duties, security of property and personnel. From there a posting to Horsham St. Faith complete with Javelin Jets, but this was accommodation as he worked about 8 miles away at an “underground station”, plotting aircraft movement in and out the country…but he was ‘upstairs’ guarding the premises and checking personnel.

Horsham had a running track and when off duty Mike spent most of his time distance running, occasionally hitch hiking to Great Yarmouth, enjoying running on the beach.  Shortly afterwards he was posted to RAF Box, situated between Bath and Chippenham, a beautiful area for running and the station had an excellent cross country team to which Mike was invited to join by the Corporal in charge and they became friends for the following 60 years! Together they competed in Fighter Command races at times crossing paths with 2 well known Olympic runners: Gordon Pirie and Derek Ibbotson.

He didn’t manage to get close to the jet aircraft he desired, but a sort of compensation came racing at 2 “Battle of Britain” stations: Biggin Hill and Stanmore Park.  His last race was at RAF Newton and as a result was granted 3 days leave.

He finally posed the question “Was National Service worthwhile”? Probably as a career he felt but as 18 year olds he could have thought of better ways to spend his time!

Jane proposing a Vote of Thanks for Mike’s very informative and moving presentation.  She said it was difficult to imagine what it was like for young people back then.  However, she sometimes feels it would be a good idea for our country to bring back some form of service for the youngsters of today to teach them discipline and life skills.  This was echoed by President Derek, then well supported with ‘visual applause’                        AR

6th May 2021 Zoom Meeting – Our 31^st Charter Celebration

 David Valentine was our Master of Ceremonies for the evening, giving him Carte Blanche to insult anyone he could get away with and there were 26 members present plus some spouses, District Governor and entertainer Steve Price. (Not sure who is writing his scripts these days, but he could donate them to the “corn exchange” and stick to Pantomime and his thespian skills at the East Bridgford Drama Group!)

The normal protocols were observed with President Derek welcoming all and informing us that there would be two Paul Harris Fellowships awarded, but not appropriate for this evening’s Zoom format but awaiting face to face situation, hopefully very soon.  Mike Twells delivering an appropriate grace, then the Loyal Toast. The President Elect Gordon Marsh gave a short proposal to Rotary International, outlining some of the contributions Club had made.

Dr. Jill Bethell MBE (DG) then responded with a toast to the Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club, again with warm comments about the various contributions our Club had made over the last 30 years.  President Derek responded and toasted our visitors and guests.

The ‘Magical entertainment then followed with a very professional and humorous performance from Steve Price, who explained that he had always wanted to be a magician from his early boyhood days, developing his skills over the years and now performing on cruise ships among other venues.  Various amazing tricks followed, involving the audience and including card tricks with huge cards…very impressive!

President Derek proposing a Vote of Thanks for Steve’s very informative and beautifully illustrated performance, echoed with a well supported with ‘visual applause’                       AR

20th May 2021 Zoom Meeting – A spontaneous Life – from Teaching to Project Management – Duncan Garment

 Duncan's tale starts with his Birth in Brighton and Hove, attending Xaverian College in Brighton before moving to Guildford where he completed his schooling and also worked for 8 years on his “Saturday job” at Robert Dyas and on to his Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was sponsored through his Degree sandwich course by the ERA Leatherhead (Electrical Research Association), where he started his first ‘proper job‘ in their switchgear lab for 2 years, moving on to the High Voltage lab for a further 4 years, working with very high voltages, creating lightning for various tests in what was quite a dangerous and solitary role. Thus came the initial spontaneous move into teaching, having obtained his PGCE certificate and obtaining a post at Bishop Reindorp School Guildford teaching Maths to A level students and progressing through Exam Secretary to become the Head of House to about 300 students. The school is now called Christ’s College.

Then came the second spontaneous move, following a phone call from The EU Delegate to Lesotho who asked if he would like to set up an Electrical Engineering Course in a Technician Training School in Lesotho (Africa)…. This had been triggered by an old school friend who was setting up a Mechanical Engineer Course at the same place.

On offering his resignation the Principal, despite thinking that Duncan was mad, said he would keep his job open for 2 years.  So off went Duncan, Penny and their 3 children to Lesotho, without anything in writing, flying from Heathrow to Johannesburg (with no tickets until they turned up at the BA check-in desk), finally arriving in Maseru (Lesotho) without their luggage (lost en-route!) to start his contract at the Technician Training School (TTS) which was part of the Lerotholi Technical Institute. He then discovered there were no equipment, no books, so Hughes Electrical Technology Book (held in his hand luggage!) became his Bible for the next 5 weeks. They remained in the Victoria Hotel for ten weeks, waiting for the housing they had been promised. Unhappy with the lack of housing the EU Delegate had been stirring things up behind the scene with the Ministry. This was shortly followed by Duncan being called into the Director's office and confronted by a Government official claiming he had been complaining.  This so annoyed the EU Delegate that he flew Duncan and family back to the UK for 6 weeks after which they returned to the TTS and a HOUSE where they lived for 9 years. After a slow start the courses were eventually up and running to Duncan’s satisfaction after about 4 years.

He was then asked to stay on to Project Manage the upgrading of the Lerotholi Technical Institute to the Lerotholi Polytechnic which was a spin-off requirement for the implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), whilst keeping an eye on the electrical courses and mentoring his counterpart who had taken over.

But life was not all work and no play. There were plenty of thing to do like - Amateur Dramatics with the Maseru Players, activities with the local Round Table such as the annual raft race on the river Caledon, the local St George's Society (founder chairman), Morris Dancing - the team once performed before the king and Duncan's students performed the Basotho equivalent which was the Wellie Dance (shown on Lesotho TV!). He also had time (2 years) to help a friend restore a Fowler Steam Road Roller which they drove across the border from Ladybrand (RSA) to Maseru.

But then all good things come to an end and it was back to the UK, were he secured a position with TechQuipment (TQ), a Nottinghamshire company that worked with educational projects all over the World.  His first project was with the Turkey Team to purchase extra equipment for the £10m underspend on the original project and to help YÖK (The Council of Higher Education – Turkey) to identify and develop certain centres of Educational Excellence. He then moved onto Romania to explore the possibility of setting up a similar project, visiting all the 48 State owned Universities 3 times.

He explained that this type of project work was usually a stop-start operation with periods of inactivity’s during which he worked on  other stop-start projects in Oman, Libya, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

UK based projects followed which found him managing the following projects:

• Welbeck Defence 6^th Form College – in partnership with Interserve. TQ had responsibility for the educational equipment and training side of this move from Welbeck Abbey to the new purpose built facilities on the old Garets Hay Barracks site at Woodhouse Eaves and Interserve had the construction and facilities management side of the contract.
• In the operational “gaps” he managed the MOD's OPTAG contract which was to supply Iraq nationals (TELIC) and Afghanistan nationals (HERRICK) for UK based troop pre-deployment training.

Duncan’s term was ‘spontaneous’, I would suggest ‘adventurous and brave’, working and travelling all over the World sharing his knowledge and interpersonal skills.

Clive proposing a Vote of Thanks for Duncan’s very informative and beautifully illustrated presentation, echoed by President Derek, then well supported with ‘visual applause’                       AR

3rd June 2021 Zoom Meeting – Belton Park Ranger – Roy Morledge

Roy began with a little background history about Belton House, built in 1688 by the Lords Brownlow, then taken over by The National trust in 1984 taking on the 1750 acres of estate. He showed a map displaying the size and features of the estate: The Belmont Tower, the East Avenue lined with Lime trees, the South Avenue, 1 mile long and lined with Turkey Oak trees.

There are 3 full time Rangers, aided by a number of volunteers like Roy, Mike Cox and Chris Beale.  Their role is looking after the about 430 fallow deer that roam the estate, the wildlife, fences and maintaining appropriate grazing.

He showed pictures of bucks looking somewhat sorry for themselves having shed their antlers in April.  The fawns come along in late June/July adding to their numbers each year, but there is plenty of grass available, so some sheep have been added seasonably to the livestock and also some cattle in the fields near Belmount Tower. Their primary task is to flatten the many meadow ant anthills. All grazing is covered by High Level Stewardship.

Inevitably adequate fencing is a prime issue and one of the priority tasks for the Rangers. They have also been tackling a conservation project to reshape the river (Witham), at which time Mike had a wet experience with the ‘holy’ waders he was provided! There are trout in the river (Witham) and some otters, with kingfishers, banded demoiselle dragon flies and much waterfowl in evidence. There are also ponds in the garden which attract some unusual birds including egrets, shovelers and goosanders and where many lilies abound. There’s also the Tar Lane pond which contains Mandarin & mallard ducks.

About the 2nd week in October, brings some excitement to the Deer, when the rutting season begins, although after the fighting sessions (which damages the fencing) the bucks tend to stand and wait for the Does to visit them for ‘service’. This is also the time for many and varied mushrooms to appear, wax caps.

He finished off the presentation with some excellent videos from trail cameras, showing badgers, a fox, deer. He confidently handled the questions that followed, with Barry raising the issues about the WW1 use of the site for training of soldiers in machine gun practice, the bullets of which he used to collect as a local boy.

Mike Cox proposing a Vote of Thanks for Roy’s very informative and interesting presentation.  He expressed his view that Roy was a fascinating raconteur about Belton, and what it gem it was on our doorstep, that we should all make use of, with the Woodland Trust area adjacent.  This was echoed by President Derek, then well supported with ‘visual applause’                                                                                                                AR

17^th June 2021 Zoom Meeting – Solomon Islands volunteer – Mary Bridge-Collyns

 Mary explained that she always wanted to volunteer initially after 6th form, eventually going through selection process via the United Nations.   In September 1972 she embarked on her journey to Heathrow and then flight to Honiara in The Solomon Islands, via Fiji with a two day stop over as flights to Solomon Island were only one a week. Flight continued via the New Hebrides now called Vanuatu.

 The Solomons has 6 major island and 992 smaller island atolls and reefs many not inhabited The main islands are volcanic as are some smaller ones but there are lots of reef islands Pidgin English is commonly spoken all over the islands but there are lots of local languages on different islands and some of the larger islands have more than one language because of different tribes.

Her posting was to the small volcanic island of Ugi and she was sent to teach there for 2 years at All Hallows mixed boarding school. When she arrived in Honiara she almost got back on the next plane. The Transit house where she stayed was terrible, dirty and full of mosquitoes!

She was told she would have about 10 days to get together supplies such as food and mosquito nets, bedding, crockery, kerosene lamp and stove etc. to take out to the remote island of Ugi. In the event it turned out to be only 2 days, as a small supply boat (the Badley) was sailing for Ugi so she quickly equipped herself with basic supplies and also opened a bank account and an account with the only trading company who would send out food supplies when ordered. This would be mainly for tinned food. She boarded the boat early afternoon stopped at Taroaniara on another island which was the shipping headquarters en-route and arrived at Ugi Island the following afternoon after a horrendous sea voyage, holed up in a small crew cabin!  She thought her end had come before she had even started!!

However she had a great greeting at school with headmaster and children waiting to greet her on the shore below the school, which was at the top of a hill overlooking the bay. Even though the boat was small it had to anchor beyond the reef and she had to get into a small rowing boat to land at a sort of stone wharf built by staff and children. The island had only rough tracks no cars but a tractor and a 3 wheeled Gnat! She was taken to her leaf house, to be her home for the following two years. In the evening they held a feast in her honour. The pupils loved having a feast and a hula. They all made lays to go round your neck from the frangipani flowers. These were very heady perfume which could make you feel light headed. An early learning lesson for Mary, as she relaxed on the beach listening to the sea rippling to the shore, but sat under a coconut palm and the children explaining that “you don’t sit under a Coconut palm, as a falling nut could kill you!”

Her leaf house was on stilts and at first was shared with another native teacher. There were 2 bedrooms divided by bamboo walls, a wooded floor which shook every time you walked on it and a main room with a table and chairs. The house did have electricity from the school generator for 2 hours each night. The house had a corrugated iron roof and a leaf ceiling which was disastrous as the loft space harboured snakes and rats.  However the snakes ate the rats! Geckos climbed the walls and there were spiders, huge ones too. The kitchen was a separate small leaf building which you got to by walking a narrow plank. However after 8 months it was renewed and built on the ground. The toilet was a squat a little way from the house, as was the shower which was a pipe surrounded by a leaf wall.

The boarding school had about 180 to 200 children with Mary’s start coinciding with girls been added to the school. This was a Middle school but the classes consisted of children from of many ages. There were three year groups 5, 6 & 7; in year 7 the pupils took The Hicks test to see if they were academic enough to go to the senior school in Honiara the capital. This was fiercely prized. Ages in class could vary from 10, 11 up to 17, 18. The school day consisted of 6am start with children tidying their dorms and then chapel at 6.30, Breakfast and then school at 8, Lunch 12 or just after, then rest followed by assembly at 2pm. The evening meal was at 5pm followed by an hour of prep in classrooms.

The children were divided into sets to rotate weekly had various tasks: collecting firewood for cooking, collecting coconuts for copra, Cow boys (they had a small farm with about 15 cattle). Gardening in the school gardens for growing food to supplement their diet.  At weekends the pupils had to fend for themselves from their bush gardens, other than the girls whose gardens were not properly established.  They could also go diving for fish, sea shells & dig for bush crab.

The station/ school had contact with the outside world twice a day 7.30 am and 4 pm, by radio and they had to ensure the battery was always kept charged. Mary often managed the radio slot Link with other stations around the islands receiving Cyclone warnings & dealing with boats on supply matters.

When Mary arrived there was a New Zealand headmaster and his wife and small daughter, also 2 volunteers, however, within 2 and a half months both volunteers had gone and the headmaster went back to NZ. Following these departures Mary moved into the headmaster’s house, which was wooden with a bathroom! The office was there and she did the school accounts, paid the labourers from the coconut plantation and the nurse from the clinic besides her teaching role.

The highlight of her 2 years there was the visit in 1973 of the Queen, Prince Phillip and Princess Anne and new husband Mark Phillips. This was not to the school but a journey by ship of 8 hours two weeks prior to the visit to a designated location chosen so local people could be transported there. Mary took a group of girls and boys to dance for the Queen. Accommodation was in long leaf houses and conditions were like living in a refugee camp with only two water taps for over a 1000 people. Mary was also chosen to represent the Queen in the rehearsals for the big event.

Roy did the Vote of Thanks and suggested that he would always consider Mary a resourceful and brave individual to take on such a, project at such a young age, but picture her on a beach under a dangerous Coconut palm tree! He asked the members to join him in congratulating Mary on her very interesting and well illustrated presentation.

This was echoed by President Derek, then well supported with ‘visual applause’                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               AR

 Derek’s Presidential Report on the Rotary Year(2020/21). 

 This year has been ‘unprecedented’ in Rotary, as in all other areas of life. 

So here we are then the end of my year as President, and 

how  quickly  it  has  passed.  So  much  faster  than  my  first 

Presidential  year  23  years  ago!  Being  somewhat 

apprehensive when first asked to be President again, I was 

reassured by several Past Presidents that I would enjoy the 

experience,  and  although  unconvinced  at  the  time  I 

can confidently say that I am enjoying myself now! 

I  am  proud  to  be  a  member  of  our  club,  and  particularly 

proud  to  have  been  afforded  the  honour  of  being  our 

President  again.  I  have  always  appreciated  what  a  really 

good  club  we  have.  Our  blend  of  relaxed  formality, 

combined  with  a  sense  of  bonding,  and  purpose,  serve  us 

well. I am mindful that I have just been the person chairing 

the Meetings. Alongside, there has been a ‘central core’ this 

past  year,  who  have  toiled  unceasingly,  to  keep  the  club 

moving, and to whom I am ever grateful. 

 
Our Fundraising Committee report that the impact of COVID has  severely  curtailed  Fund  Raising  efforts  for  the  current year. The clearest impact was in the pre Christmas period, when ordinarily the greatest proportion of our income would normally  be  received. The  inability  to  collect  on  the  normal sleigh  float  run  left  a  large  hole,  but  that  was  at  least partially offset by the higher than expected income from the static  collection  sessions  at  Blue  Diamond. Also,  the  50/50 Club was brought into being – sincere thanks to Alan Folwell –  and  that  is  generating  a  small  but  regular  contribution  to the Charity account. 


 Our  International  Team,  have  been  busy,  with  the  Fishtail Project,  Child  Aid  Uganda,  Polio  Eradication,  and Foundation;  and  are  investigating,  with  view  to  becoming involved, with the Rosie May Foundation, and Rotary Shoe Boxes. 

Our Community and Vocational Committee have been very active,  and  10  Welcome  Packs  have  been  delivered  to  the Friary,  and  also  10  to  Tara’s  Angels;  they  have  also  been supporting  Rotary  for  Food  Banks.

O u r  Yo u t h  C o m m i t t e e  h a v e  b e e n  a c t i v e  w i t h Dictionaries4Life;  and  delivery  to  year  5’s/6’s  has  been undertaken,  but  due  to  Covid  restraints  the  majority  of schools  handed  the  books  out.  Supportive  comments continue  to  be  received  from  schools.  In  respect  of Rotakids;  with  the  further  lock  down,  there  has  been  no  progress  on  reactivating  the  clubs,  which  in  reality  will  not now  occur  until  at  least  September.  Contact  with  the  two Heads will be maintained in the meanwhile. The Children in Need  appeal  supported  by  the  Rotary  sponsored  Pudsey bears, raised £608.53 and was included in Rotary’s national contribution to Children in Need. The Art and Photographic Competition;  on  the  assumption  that  schools  will  be  fully back  in  September,  it  is  their  intention  to  relaunch  the competition,  bringing  it  to  the  schools’  attention  before  the Summer break. Kids Out; they are looking to establish what they can do /continue to do, following their involvement this year via Community.  

Our Membership  &  Club  Services  Committee  have  been looking  after  Welfare,  Membership,  Meetings/Venue/Club Procedures,  Programmes  and  Events,  Health/Safety/Protection, and Website/Press & Publicity/Social Media. 

 I have really enjoyed this Rotary Year, but am very happy to handover to the very capable hands of Gordon Marsh 

MINUTES OF THE CLUB ASSEMBLY MEETING

THURSDAY 24^H JUNE 2021 (Held via ZOOM)

Present on Zoom: Derek Goodacre, Gordon Marsh, ADG Stella Herbert, Maggie Falconer, Rob Gray, Trevor Richmond, Anne Daly, Stan Taylor, Gerry Thompson, Stuart Horsley, Alan Folwell, Duncan Garment, Steve Lawes, Ian Torr, Mike Morris, Allen Richmond, Mike Twells, Alan Wilson, Clive Rees, Bill Banner, Steve Carson, Chris Beale, Mary Bridge-Collyns, Denis Bacon, Chris Netherwood, Jill Clarke (guest)

 Apologies: Peter Jordan, Adrian Cresswell, David Eldridge, David Valentine, Jane Hart, Roy Morledge.         

 1.Incoming President's Opening Remarks

Gordon welcomed us all to a new Rotary Year which should involve fun and good fellowship and when we can start to meet face-to-face-to raise much needed funds and have social and family get-togethers. Committee chairs and Gordon have reviewed Trust Fund finances and have allocated funds to each committee with the aim of leaving around £5k for the start of the next Rotary Year,

Gordon welcomed ADG Stella Herbert and asked committee chairs to review their proposals during the meeting rather than taking reports as read

 2.Conflict of Interest.

None declared.

3.Health & Safety.

No issues had come forward. A Risk assessment for Handover Night would be generated

  Not on the Agenda

4.Treasurer's Report (AD) Anne reported that Club Council had agreed to keep subscriptions at £110. Capitation remains at £15 (District) and £67 (RIBI)

 5.Service Committee Reports (These minutes should be read in conjunction with the written reports which contain all the budgeted funds and finer details)

 a)  Fundraising (SC)

The aim is to raise £8000 from the following sources

·         50/50 Bonus Ball competition

·         Xmas Collection at Blue Diamond

·         Santa's Sleigh (full two week schedule currently expected)

·         Arts and Craft show

·         New initiatives

 Mary noted that Blue Diamond have offered the first weekend in July 2022 to hold the Art and Craft Show. Gordon requested that Mary explore with Steve Cole the possibility of moving that date into late May / June 2022 i.e. into this Rotary Year.

Referring to his report and in response to a question, Steve noted that the possible use of Cotgrave 4*4 was at an early stage, no decision had been made, and that any proposal would be brought to a future meeting for agreement.

 b)  International (AC)

Stan reported in Adrian's absence

Projects scheduled are

·         Support for our current Fishtail students as they move into tertiary education. As this level of education will be significantly more expensive, it is planned to approach other Clubs to join in with the support

·         2 Aquaboxes

·         Rosie May sewing/sanitary products project for Nepal

·         Shoe Box filling

 Stan will develop a proposal to formalise the donation of “Sergeant-at-arms funds” and will look into how to protect Gift Aid for these donations. Crocus planting (Bingham) is planned to raise awareness of Polio Plus

 c)  Community (MM) 

 Activities for the year include

  a) Building on last year's programme and starting planning for community support activities after lockdown – with a focus on helping those suffering loneliness/depression/homelessness

 b) Spending all our funds locally rather than latching on to large, national charities. We plan to work with Friary, Taras Angels, Rosie May, Bingham Audio Magazine

 c) A District Matching Grant will be sought for the planned homelessness work with Friary and Taras Angels

 d) Memory Café will re-start when Covid permits

 e) A “Giving Stall” at Bingham could provide a platform for other local voluntary organisations to gain publicity

d)  Youth (CN)

Junior schools remain the focus and D4L will continue in September.

The aim is to get back into schools as Covid issues permit and to encourage the 2 Rotakids initiatives at Robert Miles (Bingham) and St Peter's (East Bridgford)

The Art and Photo competition will be re-launched and the aim will be to link the competition into the wider Rotary competitions in November

 e)  Membership, Club Services & Programme (RG)

f)    Current membership is at 34 but recruitment remains a concern. Alan F is taking over the Vision and Growth activity (NB the recent District Webinar on the subject)

The proposal for the new meeting schedule is to alternate “meetings with a meal” at Ashmores with “no-meal” socially distanced meetings (Zoom or at an alternative venue). As well as speaker meetings, there will be regular “fellowship” meetings without a speaker.

Assembly agreed that a schedule based around the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays in a month for Ashmores meal meetings should be developed.

The new approach to meetings will be reviewed after 6 months

 It was suggested that a “Publicity Re-Launch” event be held on Farmers Market Day in Bingham – giving the chance to highlight our efforts and those of other “volunteering organisations”

A request to all members to supply information/articles to our Webmaster and other publications to promote our club's activities

 6 ADG Comments (SH)

 Stella commented positively on the planned activities for the forthcoming year and on the health of the Club

She recommended working with other Clubs where practicable and suggested

“Collaboration, Visibility and Promotion” as suitable watchwords

Stella offered to attend VOBR events where possible.

 Gordon and the club thanked Stella for her input.

 7.Club Policies

Club Policies had been signed and distributed as necessary

a.   Conflict of Interest

b.   Donations to Charities and application of a due diligence test

c.   Protection of Vulnerable adults

d.   Protection of Children

e.   Disability Guidance

f.    Data Protection

g.   Equality and Diversity

h.   Health & Safety

8. AOB

None

 AJSF and DG      26 June 2021

1st July 2021 First Face to Face Meeting – Handover- held in Alan Folwell’s Garden

 President Derek thanked Alan for providing his large garden (& Gazebo’s) to enable this unique first face to face meeting following all the Covid restrictions and Zoom meetings, obviously still complying with the current two metre separations.

The first activity was to induct a new (transferred member) Jill Clarke formerly of Beeston R C and who will be a member of the Community Committee. Proposed by Jane Hart, who accompanied Jill around the gathering to introduce her to the members present.

President Derek reminded us that the main purpose of wishing to have this F2F meeting was to make the Awards proposed to be a special personal event.

He described the first Paul Harris Fellow award background, one of 3 to be awarded this year, outlining the record of activities that justified this prestigious award, roles that this member had performed since his joining in 2001/2, PR, Secretary, Club Service Chair, initiating our Solar lamps project in Uganda, changes to the way the Club operated and finally his famous quizzes, known as “Trevor Quizzes”…..Trevor Richmond.

Second a man who was known to many of our members from his membership of Radcliffe and Bingham Round Table Club some 40 years ago.  Following his emigration to Spain, he returned to Nottinghamshire in 2016 with the specific desire to join our Rotary Club, where his tireless work as Chair of the Community Committee saw him gain District Grants and work closely with Community Groups at The Friary and Tara’s Angels….David Eldridge. Both (TR) and (DE) were warmly applauded on their awards and both thanked the members for their nominations

The third PHF was unfortunately on holiday walking is Scotland, so his award will be made at a future F2F meeting.

Gerry Thompson then presented the Harry Thompson Award, having read out the citation criteria, to David Eldridge for his inspiring leadership in the community, previously mentioned.

 The formal ‘Handover’ process then followed, with Derek passing over the Presidency to Gordon Marsh; Gordon presenting the President Elect Gong to Rob Gray and Rob passing the President Nominee Gong to David Eldridge.

So Gordon took over the meeting outlining his confidence in his support team, Committee Chairs and Members and his intention to ‘Lead from the front for his second term as President. He then invited members to raise a toast to ‘Rotary and Peace the World over’, then relax and have some informal “catching up”!                    AR