General Meeting

Thursday, 17 September 2026
Breakfast meeting
Apologies
- Deborah, Kathy, Maggie, Pippa, Robert, Spyros, Dave C, David K.
Pete’s Update
- Pete edged over the million steps target yesterday He’s taken a photo
of Poppy and himself resting on a bench in the park for the Diabetes UK website.
He did say Poppy is his babe magnet!
- Golf day, last Friday was a success with over £3000 raised. Pete gave a big thank
you to all who helped on the day most especially David M and Godfrey who did
all the hard graft to ensure the day was a complete success. Thanks to Colin
Plews (a previous member and past President) and Amanda, Andrew B’s cousin
in law for their help too. A big thank you for a the raffle prizes donated and
sourced.
Grace given by Paul, followed by a good breakfast.
A smashing time was had by Ronan 
Treasurer
- Meal account email has been circulated and accounts updated.
- The African oyster trust midwifery training district grant from last year has been
updated.
- The MOU for future district grant remains confusing with no response expected
until January! David M has a proposal on circumventing the issue utilising the Gift
Aid we receive if it remains an issue. Watch this space.
- A new district grant application for the African oyster trust to provide funding
towards their annual medical budget has been developed but not submitted due
to the MOU issue.
Humanitarian
- Andrew B noticed the awning at Whitstable and Tankerton hospital was in a poor
state. This gives shelter on the patio area outside the day room for both patients
and staff. Andrew B suggested we could part fund one through a district grant in
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conjunction with the League of Friends. Contact has been made with the League
through Georgina. This will come back to the club for agreement.
- Lesley, following last weeks interesting taking about MacMillan, proposed we
make a further donation of £200 on top of the speakers fee we gave to Becky.
This was seconded and agreed by the club.
Membership
- Sarah is still chasing Sainsbury’s. After discussion the club felt we need to use a
local store to run a recruitment drive. Sarah will look at M&S and B&Q.
- At the recent Membership workshop Sarah attended a fundraising scheme
developed by a Rotakids group was presented. Sarah felt this was something we
could take forward.
Fundraising
- 27/9 Car parking is covered.
Social
- Christmas lunch 18/12 - request for a sheet in the events folder to ascertain
attendees, menu has not yet been finalised but will be circulated as soon as.
- Cheesemakers haven’t got back re a visit in October so Sue suggested we look
to do this next year.
- Ales and Blooms platter and a natter will be 21/10 6.30, requested a sheet in the
book to confirm numbers.
AOB
An important message for men: Godfrey asked that everyone, men for themselves
and women for the men in their life, seek out a regular PSA blood test. Prostate
cancer caught early is eminently treatable, it doesn’t matter whether you have
symptoms or not be firm with you GP practice and say you want one. There is no
national screening programme… Thanks Godfrey for this important reminder.
Raffle a bottle of Blossom Hill was won by Ronan.
Master at Arms
Our multi talented President took this on today in Dave’s absence.
- Fine were issued for trying to smash the lectern, glass shattering, not keeping
your mouth shut, mixed breakfast, Amanda/Vanessa, peeing in the bushes,
bacteria, sailing around the world and MASH.
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On this day in:
- 1683 Antonie van Leeuwenhoek a Dutch scientist was the first to report the
existence of bacteria.
- 1901 Round the world yachtsman Francis Chichester was born.
- 1972 the TV series MASH debuted in the US, running for 11 years, gaining 14
Emmys and 1 Peabody award.
Pete regaled us with a poem by Brian Bilstone who was commissioned by the Good
Housekeeping magazine to write an erotic housekeeping poem:
This is hardcore
Scrub me, buff me, get down on all fours.
Fill me, stack me, rummage through my drawers.
Rinse me, spin me, tumble dry my mind.
Press me, fold me, drape me on your line.
Grout me, scour me, make my fittings gleam.
Bleach me, teach me, squirt your Mr Sheen.
Plump me, pump me, fill my tank with fuel.
Dust me, suck me with your crevice tool.
Sift me, sort me, crush me with your weight.
Stuff me, tie me, put me out by eight!
Final Toast given by Sue.
Next week’s EVENING meeting 24/09 6.30pm for 7pm at the Monument
includes Pete’s life talk.