General Meeting - Live

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.45am for 08.00am Thursday 2nd February 2023 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Andrew M, Chris, Dave C, David M, Elaine, Godfrey, Jean M, Maureen, Margaret, Marian, Pat, Paul, Pippa, Reggie, Robert, Spyros, Sue.

Apologies:           David K, Gerri, Hilary, Iain, Kathryn, Lesley, Myfanwy, Nick, Pete, Trevor, David B.

Welcome:           Pat welcomed everybody to our new 'home.'  She also mentioned that Sharon, the chef at the golf club, hadn't been told anything about the price rise, and consequently was surprised by our departure.  Sharon has often taken an interest in our meetings, so Pat will invite her to our guest breakfast next week, in the hope that she may wish to join us.

Grace:                   Paul

BREAKFAST

Business:             Pat hoped everyone had enjoyed their breakfast this morning.  Pat went through a number of reminders for upcoming events:

·         Guests breakfast next week, 9th February.  Pat is hoping Jean S and Bob, and Chris will come, also Sharon, above.  Can everyone else please remember to bring a guest (and tell Robert you are doing so).  In answer to a question, Pat confirmed that members have to pay for the guest's breakfast (not the club).

·         Chris will present his life story at breakfast on 23rd February.

·         The ten-pin bowling is on Friday 3rd March.  A meal has been booked at the Royal on Tankerton slopes for 20.30 afterwards.  Since they don't usually cater for parties so late in the evening, the Royal has asked people to select from a limited menu in advance.  The menu choice will be circulated.

·         Walk4Water is on Friday 24th March, with a lunchtime meal at the Royal Oak after.  Robert confirmed that there is a separate sheet in the Events folder for booking the meal.  Andrew B ran through the arrangements for the meal.

·         Spring Quiz night is on Saturday 1st April.

·         TWAM is all sorted, for 22nd April.

Youth Opportunities:     Margaret expressed some exasperation with her efforts towards the second round of the Young Chef competition.  After all the work she has put in organising the next round, the young person who was due to attend has pulled out!  There was some discussion about offering the place to the YP who came second in the first round of the competition, but it was felt that it would be a bit short notice. 

                There is a feeling that youth matters at district are a bit disorganised just at present.  This may not be surprising as the previous incumbent had to step down suddenly due to family problems, and the new person may have been feeling a bit overwhelmed.  Hopefully, he will be up to speed when the competition starts again in September.

                Margaret said she has spoken to the organiser of the Young Photographer competition; he is apparently very laid back.  Jean M said she has a potential entrant.

Community:       Pat said she has had an email telling her about a Community Groups Day.  Basically, groups can have a stall in the Herne Community Centre to publicise their activities.  Last year, Andrew B and Hilary ran a stall there, but Andrew reported that we didn't achieve interest from potential new members - just chats with former Rotary members who weren't indicating a wish to rejoin anyway.  So, we will pass on this one.

                Pat has had an email from Kevin at Whitstable Rotary.  They have an evening meeting at the Crescent Turner on Tuesday 7th February.. The highlight will be a talk by an RAF pilot.  If you want to attend, please contact Kevin.

Any Other Business:        Sue mentioned the death of one of the founders of Minster Rotary club, who was known to some of our members.

                Pat had an email from Hilary, asking about the zoom meeting, which was last week.

                Spyros asked if a Rotary plaque will be fixed to the outside wall of the Plough?  David M confirmed this is in hand.  Spyros also mentioned that we are prominently advertised in the latest edition of The Net.

                Paul went through the sheet from the Events folder reminding everyone what shifts they are doing on Sunday for the car parking.

Pippa said that David B, and his wife Anne are neither of them very well.  She spoke to them yesterday.  Pat expressed her best wishes on behalf of the club.

Raffle:                   Won by David M.

Master-at-Arms:              Godfrey did this with Bertie Bassett in Nick's absence.

Final Toast:         Andrew B

Next Meeting:

07.45am for 08.00am Thursday 9th February 2023 @ The Plough.