General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 18th January 2024 @ The Plough

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

Apologies:           David K, Gerry, Hilary, Lesley, Myfanwy, Nick, Reggie, Sue, David B, Trevor.

Guests:                Fiona Stephens & Graham Perrin (Speaker from Blood Runners)

Welcomes & Birthdays:                 Pat welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially our two guests today.  There were no birthdays this week.

                                Pat made the sad announcement that Jean S, a former member, has lost her long battle against cancer.  She died peacefully in the Pilgrims Hospice.  Pat asked if members would be agreeable to make a donation of £200 to the hospice?  This was proposed by Pat and seconded by Andrew B.  A vote was taken, and the result was unanimously in favour.

Grace:                   Paul

BREAKFAST

Business:

Fundraising:  The next car parking is this coming Sunday 21st January.  Paul confirmed that there are at least three volunteers for each shift.  With the weather forecast as it is, it probably won't be very busy.  Also, there are road works at either end of the High Street which will inhibit visitors.  Paul confirmed that, according to the events folder, we are also covered for Saturday 17th February.

Social:  Pat has made enquiries about the proposed afternoon tea and tour round Brogdale.  The cost per person for tea and the tour will be £15.50 which seems very reasonable.  Pat will book a date during the cherry picking season.  Members would rather go mid week, when "there aren't any flaming kids around."

                As previously advised, the Ten Pin Bowling will be in the evening of Friday 8th March.  We still haven't plumped for a venue for the meal after.  The Quayside restaurant was mooted.

Membership:  Pete confirmed that Fiona's forms has been sent in.  We have to wait a couple of weeks for due process before we can formally induct Fiona.

Speaker:              Pat welcomed our speaker this morning, Graham Perrin from Blood Runners.  Graham gave us a very interesting talk about (SERV) ie blood runners.  They deliver not only blood but also plasma and platelets from one hospital to another within the east Kent area.  When required they go to Tooting which is the main source of blood supplies for the SE.  Throughout the UK, there is a relay service so blood products can go from Cornwall to Scotland.

                                In recent years a link has been made between SERV and the Air Ambulance, and another between SERV and Demelza.  SERV will transport medicine to wherever a child needs it. 

                                Note: the club donated £50 to SERV; a collection pot was passed round also which collected £45.51.

Raffle:                   Won by Marian

Master-at-Arms:              Godfrey was in the chair again, and told us another of his  dog jokes.

Final Toast:         Pat

Date of Next Meeting:

07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 25th January @ The Plough