General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 1st February 2024 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Andrew M, Chris, Dave C, David M, Elaine, Godfrey, Ian, Jean, Kathryn, Lesley, Margaret, Nick, Pat, Paul, Pippa, Spyros, Sue.

Apologies:           David K, Gerry, Hilary, Maureen, Myfanwy, Marian, Pete, Reggie, Robert, Trevor, David B.

Guests:                Fiona Stephens, Neil Robertson

Welcomes:         Pat welcomed everyone, including our two guests this morning: Fiona and Neil.  Today is also Neil's birthday (we sang 'Happy Birthday' at the end of the meeting.)

Grace:                   Paul

Business:            

                International:  Pat had copies of the events sheet for Walk4Water.  It appears we still need 2x more volunteers to be fully covered.  Maggie, Ian and (embarrassingly) Andrew B, can't come due to other commitments.  Kathryn will mention to Kevin to see if our Whitstable colleagues can help.  David M thought that we could manage if we have to.  Hilary has confirmed that she will book the meal when we have definite numbers.

                Andrew B has circulated an email about a request from a Brazilian organisation.  Members present felt we are very committed at present, so we will leave this for another club to pick up.  Anyway, moving smoothly on we come to...

                Fund Raising:  The next event is Saturday 17th February.  According to the sheet we are short for the busy mid day period 12.00 noon to 14.00.  Kathy added her name.

                Social:  Sue has investigated The Quayside restaurant as a venue for a meal after bowling on Friday 8th March.  However, it will be too noisy there, so Sue recommends we go back to The Royal.  Bowlers will need to indicate their menu choices in advance.  Robert will bring a copy of the menu to our next meeting.  Kathy said that the Whitstable bowling venue has been voted the worst in Kent.  Members agreed that it does seem pretty much worn out (the lanes keep breaking down).

                Youth Opportunities:  Margaret complained that David Watson still hasn't got back to her.  She won't be able to deal with any reply from him immediately as she is away for a few days.

                Membership:  Pat said she may has another one, maybe two potential members from Seaview.  She will try and get them to breakfast sometime.

                Upcoming Events:  Pat reminded us that next week Emma & Sue from 'Open your Hearts to Bhutan' will be joining us for breakfast.

Raffle:                   Won by Dave C

Master-at-Arms:              Before inflicting fines on all and sundry, Nick informed us that today is Robinson Crusoe Day, and Hot Breakfast Month.  On this day in 1785 the Times was first published.  Tomorrow  (2nd Feb) is Groundhog Day in the USA, and also World Ukulele Day! (Yay!)

Final Toast:         Given by Sue.

Next Meeting:

07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 8th February 2024 @ The Plough