General Meeting - Live

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 9th March 2023 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Andrew M, Chris, Dave C, David M, Elaine, Jean M, Lesley, Maureen, Margaret, Marian, Nick, Pat, Paul, Robert.

Apologies:           Gerri, Godfrey, Hilary, Iain, Kathryn, Myfanwy, Pete, Pippa, Spyros, Sue, Trevor, David B, Reggie, David K.

Guests:                None today.

Grace:                   Paul

BREAKFAST

Business:             Pat said that we now have three grants outstanding with District; hopefully we may hear whether we have succeeded in our applications by the end of the month.  In answer to a question, Pat confirmed that they are for local groups / projects ie Crossroads, Red Zebra and a joint one between Red Zebra and Mel here at The Plough.

Fundraising:       Brilliant result on Saturday despite the poor weather; we collected £692 for parking, plus the income from the cake sales.  Pat said we could really do with one or two more members becoming involved.  In particular we should have four volunteers on duty for the 12.00 noon to 14.00pm shift, that is - tow down at the bottom to direct drivers plus two at the top end.  It's too much for one person at the top end especially drivers want us to process payment through the card machine.  Jean M echoed these sentiments, adding that it would be better to have a bucket with a narrower opening.  While she was busy with the card machine she saw one driver with his hand in the bucket.  He was probably just getting change for a note, but the point is, she couldn't see what he was doing.  Pat said that even if a member can't do a full tow hours, it would still help to come along for an hour when we are at our busiest.

Social:                   The bowling went well last Friday.  David M triumphed again.  The meal afterwards at The Royal was good. 

International:    Andrew B reported that he and David M continue to deliver the Walk4Water talks to participating schools.  There has been a suggestion that we should have posters regarding help for Ukraine; this will be an item for discussion at Board next week.  There was a brief discussion about lorries departing from Herne Bay with relief aid for Turkey.  Finally, Andrew said that he has received some invoices from Emma Slade showing how the grant we secured for Bhutan is being spent.

Membership:    Induction for Ian Small is in the pipeline.

Almoner:             Lesley reported back as acting Almoner in Pippa's absence.  She has spoken to David B who was grateful for her call.  She has also spoken to Iain who is planning to attend Walk4Water but will need a lift from someone.

Any Other Business:        Lesley said she is still involved with the charity Haven Homeless.  They are having a Spring Fair on Saturday 1st April and have asked if anyone can bake some individual cakes for a cake stall?  These would need to be collected on the Friday.

                                Dave C said that all the local Ukulele clubs in Herne Bay are getting together to play for Red Nose Day on Saturday 18th March from 11.00am, in Mortimer Street.

Greetings for Other Clubs:            Jean reported greetings from a driver from Sittingbourne Rotary club; he was jealous of us being able to have the school parking for our fund raising.  They are restricted to shaking tins outside supermarkets.  This prompted the suggestion that we could organise a collection outside the stores at Estuary view.  Who would we approach for permission?  Lesley will ask in M & S.

Raffle:                   Margaret said we need more raffle prizes, both for club meetings and for the upcoming Quiz Night - only a fortnight away now.  Dave C won the raffle today.

Master-at-Arms:              Nick told us that today is World Kidney Day; it's also British Pie Week.  On this day in 1891 the Great Blizzard began; it lasted several days and caused hundreds of deaths.  Elaine asked us to remember that yesterday was World Women's Day.

Final Toast:         Given by Lesley.

Next Meetings:

Board Meeting 19.00pm Tuesday 14th March @ Nick's house.

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 16th March @ The Plough