General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 12th October 2023 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Andrew M, Chris, Dave C, Godfrey, Ian, Jean, Kathryn, Lesley, Maureen, Margaret, Mick, Paul, Robert, Sue.

Apologies:           David K, David M, Elaine, Gerry, Hilary, Myfanwy, Pat, Pete, Pippa, Reggie, Spyros, Trevor, David B.

Welcomes & Birthdays:                 Sue was in the chair, Pat being away in Devon.  Sue gave an update about Jean S and Bob.  They have been to Dorset for a few days; Jean is making the most of the time left to her.  Reggie being away, Sue wasn't aware of any birthdays this week.

Grace:                   Paul.

BREAKFAST

Business:            

International:    Andrew B acknowledged that there have been recent international disasters, including the earthquake in Afghanistan.  However, without David M being here we are not sure how much we have in the pot available for donations.  Also, the situation in Afghanistan is unclear; is the Taliban willing to accept aid from abroad?  We do give substantial donations to Shelter Box who are in the best position to give what aid is allowed.

Comm / Voc:      Kathy said she has some more leaflets about the Shoe Box appeal for those who didn't get one.  She will collect the completed boxes at our meeting on 26th October.  Robert reminded members about the Litter Pick at Chestfield this coming Sunday.  He plans to go, but doesn't know how many local residents will turn out.

Speakers:            Chris confirmed that he is OK for speakers at the moment, certainly for the evening meetings.  Sue asked what about having the occasional speaker at a morning meeting, like we used to?  Chris & Margaret both know of a potential speaker, a firearms officer for the Metropolitan Police.

Social:                   Sue has rung the Ales & Antiques place about having another evening there on 26th October.  Food will be available from 7.00pm.  Robert will send an email round about who wants to attend?  Sue has asked for 10x places.

Gardening:         Maureen attended the Whit & Tank Friends AGM.  They paid a nice compliment to the club for our work in the gardens.  Jean attended also.  Maureen said the area at the rear has been cleared so now it is available for planting, perhaps for some Spring flowers.  Jean asked members to consider helping the hospital by all joining the Friends (£5 p.a.).  Sue wondered of someone from there could be a morning speaker?  Kathy has said she will replace Georgina as the Friends' secretary when the latter steps down.  Georgina might be willing to be the speaker.

                                Later: Maureen confirmed that gardening will be on Saturday 28th October.

Almoner:             Jean reported that Marian's leg is better, and she hopes to attend breakfast next week.  Also, David B is struggling somewhat; he is back at home after a week's respite.

Fund Raising:     Tickets for Quiz Night on Saturday 18th November are selling well.  Car parking on Thursday 16th October needs a couple more volunteers.  Please check the events page for changes to the timing of shifts.

Any Other Business:        Dave C made a mistake in last week's notes.  The date of the Christmas run is Sunday 10th December.

                                Kathy said she has revived the Inter  Act club at the school.  She was previously grooming a couple of pupils for potential organisers, but both have been suspended for behavioural issues.

                                Andrew B reported that table tennis last week went well.  John Wickings put on a good spread for us.

Raffle:                   Won by Robert.  Margaret said we still need more prizes.

Master-at-Arms:              Nick told us that on this day in 1979, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy was first published.  Also, in 1846 the planet Neptune was discovered.  Tomorrow is World Egg Day.

Final Toast:         Given by Andrew B

Date of Next Meeting:

07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 19th October @ The Plough