General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 26th October 2023 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Andrew M, Chris, Dave C, Elaine, Jean, Kathryn, Maureen, Margaret, Marian, Nick, Pat, Paul, Pippa, Spyros, Sue.

Apologies:           David K, David M, Gerry, Godfrey, Hilary, Ian, Lesley, Myfanwy, Pete, Reggie, Robert, Trevor, David B

Welcomes:         Pat welcomed everybody to the meeting.  It was Pippa's birthday this week.  Sadly, Reggie couldn't send her a card because he is isolated in hospital with malaria.  We all hope he gets well soon.

                                Nick pointed out that it is Hilary Clinton's birthday today and Reggie didn't send her a card either.  Dave C suggested she didn't need one since she owns a chain of shops.

                                Headline news is that car parking today is cancelled.  A water main near the entrance to the school has burst.  Pat said that the flapjacks and macaroons baked by Marian are on sale; please buy some before you go.

Grace:                   by Paul

BREAKFAST

Business:

Social:  Pat reminded those attending Ales & Antiques tonight that it's a 6.30 for 7.00pm start.  Ten of us are going.  Sue hoped that Andrew B would remember to turn up this time.

Gardening:  In answer to a question, it was confirmed that gardening at the Whit & Tank would go ahead on Saturday fro 09.00am unless the rain is torrential.

International:  Andrew will re-circulate the email about Bangladesh.  A decision will be made about this at the Board meeting in November.  Andrew said that he is keen to get a reply back from Emma Slade re Bhutan, especially if there will be another round of district grants.

                                David M has circulated an email about what Shelter Box are doing to help the situation in Gaza.

                                Dave C asked if there was any likelihood of the club making a donation to Mercy Ships?  Andrew said that he international committee has decided to pursue other priorities.

Youth Opps:       Margaret said that she is about to email all the potential participating schools to firm up their commitment to the youth competitions.

Any Other Business:  Nick pointed out that last Tuesday was World Polio Day.

                                Sue asked about a speaker for the end of the month?  Chris said he is waiting for confirmation from the historical society.

                                Nick said the club clothing has been ordered and should arrive soon, maybe next week

                                Spyros has half a garage full of donated mobility aids which are due to be collected next week (including two mobility scooters).  So, if you have anything please get it to Spyros soon.

                                Talking about electric vehicles led to a discussion about how safe they are ie how likely to catch fire?  Chris commented that two ships have sunk in the Atlantic when cars they were carrying caught fire.

                                Jean went to see David B again this week.  He is cheerful but struggling.

Raffle:                   Jean won the bottle of syrup which has been around for a while.

Master-at-Arms:              Nick told us that today is Howl at the Moon Day.*  Today is also Back to the  Future Day.  On this day  in 1881 the Gunfight at the OK Corrall took place.

Final Toast:         Given by Kathryn

Date of next Meeting:

07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 2nd November @ The Plough

*(Who thinks these things up?  Dave C)