General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am 7th March 2024 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew M, Chris, Dave C, David M, Godfrey, Ian, Jean, Kathryn, Lesley, Maureen, Margaret, Nick, Pat, Pete, Pippa, Spyros, Reggie, Robert, Sue.

Apologies:           Andrew B, David K, Elaine, Gerry, Myfanwy, Marian, Paul, Trevor, David B

Guests:                Fiona Stephens

                                Robert Stephens

Welcomes:         Pat welcomed everyone to the meeting, including Fiona to her last meeting as a guest.  Our guest speaker hasn't turned up (Chris reported later that her car had been damaged in an accident).  There are no birthdays this week. 

Grace:                   Said by Andrew M.

BREAKFAST

Business:

Fund Raising:  Pat confirmed that everything is in hand for Walk4Water on Friday 22nd March.  The meal has been booked for afterwards.

Youth Opportunities:  Margaret had some good news about the Young Chef competition, which was that Claudine, our local entrant from the Whitstable school, came second in the heat.  So, she has to go to Hampshire for the next round.  Margaret may talk to her father about whether we should make a contribution towards travel costs, seeing that it is a bit of a trek.  Dave C suggested that we might invite her to come and talk about her menu at a breakfast meeting later on.

Upcoming Events:  Pat reminded board members that the next board meeting is this coming Tuesday at 7.00pm here at The Plough.

Membership:  Pat introduced Fiona as our newest member ('though she has been a member previously) and led her induction.  Godfrey read the Objects and Aims of Rotary as a reminder to us all.  Pat as sponsor related how she met Fiona at a yarn bombing event.  Pat presented Fiona with her badge (in fact her old one) and the members present made a toast.

Social:  Regarding the bowling tomorrow night, Sue related how The Royal, having accepted our booking for the meal afterwards, is now cavilling about how late we will arrive.  Sue wondered if it was too late to book a meal elsewhere?  After discussion, it was decided that those members bowling should arrive by 17.45 at the latest in time for a prompt start.  Members only attending the meal will get there early and hold the fort until reinforcements arrive.

Any Other Business:        Andrew M asked if he could have some more strong volunteers to load the van on the Monday after TWAM (22nd April)?  There are some big tools which need pushing from the end of the garden to the van.  Volunteers to be confirmed next week.

                Jean said she has spoken to Marian.  Marian has continued problems with her knee and is unable to walk at present.

                Lesley couldn't remember if she has paid a deposit towards the 20th Anniversary do?  David M said he will be sending round a reminder about the latter shortly.  There are about 50x people due to attend.

                Pat said she has heard from Red Zebra that they will need a second table for the Quiz Night.  Also, the £1000 donation we gave them will be used to support Arts & Crafts events they will be running at the Horsebridge Centre for year 5 children.  Could we help with volunteers for these events?

Greetings from Other Clubs:        Nick and Spyros were talking to a Rotary member from a club in Maidenhead.  Apparently there are three Rotary clubs in Maidenhead.  One is for younger members and meets at 06.30am!  The other is a lunch club.  There was a discussion about how some clubs are still discouraging towards female membership of Rotary.

Raffle:                   Won by Godfrey.  Pat took the opportunity to remind members that we need raffle prizes for the Quiz night.

Master-at-Arms:              According to Nick, today is National Flapjack Day.  It's also the day in 1876 on which Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone.

Final Toast:         Given by Margaret

Date of Next meeting:

07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 14th March @ The Plough