November 2012

November turned wet then cold but this didn't stop the Trowbridge Wessex Mead Rotary programme of activities, with a surprising number taking part outside.

On the 3rd November we were pleased to assist Chippenham Rotary with their very popular and spectacular bonfire & fireworks display. We were involved in the selling & checking of tickets on the gates as well as the selling of glow sticks and for once the weather was perfect, just a bit wet underfoot.

The 5th of November involved fireworks again but on a much smaller scale. Vice President Ann Jones very kindly invited club members & guests to her new home to enjoy soup, sausages & wedges with friends & fireworks.

In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday, we were able to support the Royal British Legion with the selling poppies. The enamel pins proved to be very popular this year and sold out quickly, but those running  the stall in the Shires on the 10th November were bemused to spot Pudsey dancing with a Dalek watched by a Storm Trooper, K-9, Darth Vader & Chewbacca, all wearing poppies - it could only be Children in Need!

On the 11th November, President Elect Alan Drew was honoured to attend the Trowbridge Remembrance Sunday Church Service and Parade. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Trowbridge Wessex Mead, Alan laid a wreath at the war memorial at Trowbridge Park.

Keeping with our outdoors theme, a ghost walk through the attractive streets of Corsham thrilled our members & friends, with the visit to a local pub at the end justified by the need to banish the ghosts & warm chilled bodies!

It was good to see the return of the Westbury Rotary International Cuisine Evening.  We were able to sample food from Japan, India, Tunisia & France. There were 12 courses on offer if you had the room, yum yum!

The Young Enterprise Scheme is celebrating 50 years this year and is something that some of our members remember or experienced during  their own school days, so when we were approached to provide support to a year 10 group of students at St Augustine's Catholic College, Secretary Vicky Ody was keen to step up as a mentor. The aim of Young Enterprise is to inspire future entrepreneurs and build their business skills and confidence. 'Cherry Bomb'  are currently producing jewellery from recycled materials and we wish them every success in their new venture.

Christmas is just round the corner, but before the Christmas shopping could start, we had shoe boxes to fill. A goodly number were donated by club members to support Operation Christmas Child.

Along with our Rotary District meeting and various planning meetings for our own future events, plus joint ventures with other organisations, November has been a very busy month indeed.

Merry Christmas everyone!