General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Club Meeting online Thursday 4^th March 2021 @ 8.00am

Present:               Pat; Kathy; Sue; Andrew B; Andrew & Jean M; Godfrey; Hilary; Lesley; Paul (Chair); Pete; Margaret; Dave C; David B

Apologies:           Robert

Discussion:          On behalf of Robert, Paul reminded everyone about the Quiz Night this Saturday 6^thMarch.  Robert has said that only six people have booked tickets but this doesn’t seem right, according to members present.  Dave C and Godfrey said they had tried to join the practice run but hadn’t been able to get into the site.  Pat said that so far as she was aware, a separate link would be sent out to all those who have booked tickets immediately before the event starts.  Pat recommended that people try to get into the site in good time on Saturday in case of problems.

                                Pat mentioned another regular online quiz she attends every Thursday night, Jay’s Quiz Night (?).  This is on YouTube and apparently attracts thousands of attendees.  Pat again mentioned the virtual guided tours (see minutes of the meeting on 4^th February).  Sue said she had attended one which was a live virtual tour of the fish markets at Senegal.

                                Sue said that she had seen reported on the District web page that Forest of Blean Rotary have had an interesting speaker at an evening meeting, but this was not widely advertised.  This is a pity because we can’t then ask that speaker to come and talk at one of our evening meetings.  Kathy said it can be a embarrassing to ask a speaker to attend and then only a few members join the meeting.  Dave C said that Ron had given him the name of a potential speaker, which he has forwarded to Paul, and David K as speaker organiser.

                                Paul said that he assumed that a number of members had heard about his meeting with Ron.  Ron has stepped down from being President Elect.  Paul added that Ron has resigned from the club, but has offered to help with events eg car parking.  It is possible to be a Friend of Rotary without being a member.  Apparently, ‘though, this would have to be approved by the membership at the AGM.  A number of members present felt that so far as club membership is concerned, you are either in or out. 

Ron’s resignation will leave Lesley without a President Elect, unless someone else steps forward.  Lesley said that she does have a representative for Youth Opportunities (Margaret) and a Meals Steward (Robert).  David M is happy to continue with the system of members paying for breakfasts in advance by money transfer, which relieves the meals steward of handling cash.

                                Godfrey again thanked everyone who has contributed cakes towards NHS staff.  At our last meeting he listed those who have contributed; the names of Margaret and Robert McFarlane need to be added.  Cakes have been supplied to Estuary View, the Queen Vic hospital, the testing centre at Herne, and all three of the big hospitals in East Kent.  Godfrey will send an email to all members in a few days to see who wants to do some more cakes.  Lesley offered to help with distribution.

                                The school have told Godfrey that car parking can re-commence from the end of April.  He has asked for as many Saturdays and Sundays as possible, and also some week days during school holidays.  If we offer to do some weekdays, then we get favoured status when it comes to allocating weekends.

                                Andrew B asked Pat about a friend who is moving house and may have tools to donate to TWAM.  Andrew reminded Dave C that he was going to ask around if any of the local scout groups might want our old gazebos.  Andrew confirmed that in view of the Government’s latest announcements about lockdown and schools re-opening, Walk4Water won’t happen in March.  It may be possible to arrange something later in the year for some schools.  Hilary said that for similar reasons the Easter Bunny Parade can’t happen at Easter.

                                There has been some sad news about Gordon – he can’t have any more chemotherapy.  He is still bearing up.

Dates of Future Meetings:

17^th March @ 7.30pm Board Meeting via zoom

18^th March @ 7.30pm Club Meeting via zoom