General Meeting Emma Slade talk

Thursday, 9 July 2026
Breakfast meeting
Apologies
- David M, Deborah, Gerry, Jean, Maureen, Pippa, Robert.
- The club wished Jean well and hoped Deborah’s mother makes a speedy
recovery.
Guests
- Emma Slade and Sue, Opening your heart to Bhutan
Birthdays
- Spyros on 14/7.
- Kathy rejected an early delivery, she returned her card for next week!
Pete’s week
To been a quieter week Rotarywise for Pete. Early morning walks with the dogs,
aiming for a million steps in three months for Diabetes UK https://
step.diabetes.org.uk
Treasurers report
In David’s absence Pete updated the club on a few things.
- Shelterbox donation has been made.
- Car parking last Saturday raised £1008.82.
- Gift aid forms are available from Pete, happy to collect to.
- Membership fees must be paid by 17/7. Please pay into the club account via
bank transfer.
- Breakfast prices have increased from this week: £13 for cooked, £11 for light and
£3 for coffee only.
Fundraising
- Golf day - sponsorship and teams needed.
- Harbour day 15/8, sheet in the Events folder.
- Car parking 13/8 and 22/8, in the Events folder.
1
Grace given by Paul followed by breakfast.
Open your heart to Bhutan
- Sue informed the club that Emma has been awarded the British Citizens Award in
recognition of her work in Bhutan. She will be at the Palace of Westminster in two
weeks for the award ceremony.
- Emma told us about her gruelling 37 day 12 mountain walk across Bhutan.
£120,000 raised to secure the future of the special needs school for one year to
enable focus on the government getting involved to ensure future sustainability.
Emma is working with the government in Bhutan to ensure the provision for
special needs children.
- Emma also undertook a three month solitary retreat, which was another
challenge. The walk and sitting cross legged in retreat for long periods of time
has taken it’s toll on her knees.
- Over the 10 years just under £1000000 has been raised through the charity. Sue
is instrumental in the workings of the charity.
- Emma is writing her second book: working title A nun, a hostage and a walk
across Bhutan.
- A documentary is being made utilising the filming during Emma’s walk. Emma
played a couple of clips. It is hoped that Netflix will stream it. It is still in
production.
- Emma made a request for funding to support an Art Camp for children, both
mainstream and special needs children. We supported last years and the art the
children produced was sold to raise funds. Andrew B will look at developing a
District Grant application.
- Sue had brought along for sale some handmade scarves, bags and notebooks,
as well as copies of her first book.
- Pete thanked Emma and Sue for joining us.
Social
- Cream tea at Brogdale 23/7, arrive promptly for 12.30. Car share if possible.
- Pat will book the Brenley Farm wine tasting in the next few days.
- Dave C has issued a general invitation for those who wish to watch the Barge
Race on 25/7. He and Diane will be at their beach hut. Pete suggested a sheet in
the Events folder.
2
AOB
- Maggie met Elaine in Sainsbury’s, She looks well and sends her regards.
- Lesley informed us that Crossroads/MacMillan is under threat of folding,
MacMillan are withdrawing their funding. Apparently Red Zebra are also
struggling for funds - reductions in public funding is a major factor.
- Spyros has marrows for sale.
Raffle won by Ronan, he was sitting in David M’s seat!
Master at Arms
- Dave C issued fine for being late on parade, absent without leave, liking being
disciplined, doing the washing at 3am and Andrew darling!
- Dave regaled us with a poem about Helen of Troy.
Final Toast given by Sheila.
Next meeting 16/7 7.30 for 8am at the Monument.