November 2024 - In Conversation with Club Treasurer Geoff Wall

November’s conversation with Club Treasurer Geoff Wall

Q. When and why did you join Rotary?

A.  In 2005. My wife Anne and I joined at the same time. We had enjoyed attending a few Rotary social events before then. We joined equally for the social side of things as well as the opportunities for service in the local community and more widely.

Q. What roles/positions have you held in the club?

A.  Within a few months of joining, Anne and I agreed to be joint speaker finders for a couple of years.  Then in quick succession I was Secretary, President-Elect and then President in 2011/12. Since then I have held a number of roles on the Service and Fellowship side of things. For quite a while I have had the rather grand title, in Rotary terms, of “Executive Secretary”. This links to a role I have had for a lot of years now of maintaining the Club’s website, and also the membership records on Rotary systems.  I am currently Club Treasurer.

Q. Have you considered any roles in the wider organisation, perhaps in District?

A.  In my early years in Rotary I did ponder on this, but other volunteering locally and general pressure on time meant that I never pursued this.  I do try, however, where I can, to encourage other Club members to engage in District activities and I try to support these myself when I can.

Q. What do you see as the current challenges facing Rotary?

A.  Membership. And this is not just about the numbers game it is also about new people bringing in new ideas and energy to the organisation.

Q. Can you share your favourite Rotary moment to date?

A.  A difficult one.  There have been many examples. But on a long-term basis I have enjoyed my involvement over the last 10 years or more in putting on the Technology Tournament. This is a great opportunity to see Rotary in Action, and to appreciate the enjoyment and learning we see from the young people involved each year.  It is also one of the best fellowship opportunities across the various Clubs involved in putting on our Tournament held in Catterick each year - meeting old friends and making new ones amongst Rotarians and some of the familiar faces amongst the teachers who bring their teams to the event.

Q. What occupies your time when not involved in Rotary?

A.  Arguably too many things!

For many years until early 2024 I was the Treasurer of the Forum in Northallerton, and although I have stood down from that role I still volunteer there.  For example, I quite enjoy helping to run the bar at a busy event!

I am on the Board of the Richmond Walking and Book Festival, and in particular coordinate the walking programme for the Festival which runs for a week each September. This links to my enjoyment of walking, much of which we do with the Swaledale Outdoor Club.

For well over 40 years I have been involved with putting on the pantomime in town each January, concentrating more on the scenery and backstage side of things, although some people still recall my “star turns” as “Mr Blobby” and “Bob the Builder” amongst others, in the days when we tried to bring a topical novelty character into the action.

I assist at Hambleton Foodshare, and we do some shopping roles for Hambleton Community Action and other individuals in town.

A lifelong joy for me has been the performing arts, and many trips to Theatre, Dance and Music events fill the diary. One could go on – cooking, travel, birdwatching, gardening, cycling, reading, listening to music ……….

And last but certainly not least, spending time with my lovely wife, our equally lovely family, and our friends.

Q. If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?

A.  I would love to wave a magic wand and remove conflict – between states, peoples and religious groups. The direct and indirect benefits that would arise from this would be immense, and make the world a better place.

Thank you