General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 25th July 2024 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Andrew M, Dave C, David M, Elaine, Fiona, Gerry, Godfrey, Ian, Jean, Kathryn, Lesley, Maureen, Margaret, Marian, Nick, Paul, Pippa, Robert, Spyros.

Apologies:           Chris, David K, Hilary, Pat, Pete, Reggie, Trevor, David B.

Welcomes:         Sue welcomed everyone to the meeting.  There are no birthdays this coming week.  Pat is away at the big cat sanctuary in Marden or Smarden.

Grace:                   by Paul

BREAKFAST

Business:

Upcoming Events:  Sue reminded everyone about the Craft Fair being organised her at The Plough by Pat from 1.00pm until 4.00pm on Saturday 3rd August.  If you are planning on contributing a home made cake, please let Pat know your plans - to avoid duplication of efforts.  Marian agreed to make a supply of her always-popular flap jacks and macaroons.

                On Bank Holiday Monday 26th August, here at - The Plough!  Margaret said that Mel has already booked 28 bands!  We will be there with Splat the Rat, plus information about the club for any potential new recruits.

                The date for Ian's garden party has been fixed for Tuesday 17th September.  There should still be a good chance of warm weather.

                With regard to all of the above, Sue urged members to look in the events folder and put a tick against your name, either yes or no, for the sake of clarity about who is attending / not attending.

International:  Andrew B said he had nothing new to report.

Comm / Voc:  Kathy said she met Hilary on Monday; they had a nice walk together from Minnis Bay to Reculver and back, despite the wind.  Sue said it would be nice to see Hilary at a break fast meeting.

                Maureen informed members that the next date for gardening at the Whit & Tank will be from 9.00am on Saturday 31st August.

Membership:  Sue said that the half dozen from our club who attended the week end just gone at Canterbury had a worthwhile time.  Working together with rotary members from other clubs was very satisfying.  Our stand with its 20x wheelie bins was brilliant, and very informative about recycling.  We did have an enquiry about membership from an ex-headmistress.  Kathy said that the atmosphere in Canterbury, as she walked from the bus stop, was buzzing; there was music, activities, an extra artisan market. 

                The event made Sue realise the value of working jointly with other local clubs.

                Sue added that Louisa Constantine from Kent Carers will join us for breakfast.  She and her husband may be interested in joining us.

                Vanessa Oakes from the football club may also join us for break fast in August.

                Speakers:

Speakers:  Chris has confirmed a number of speakers for our evening meetings through out the year.  These include:

·         22nd August, Chris doing a talk about brewing

·         26th September, Red Zebra

·         21st November, Alec McLoughlin an ex-Metropolitan police firearms officer

·         13th February, Chris Brearley taling about the history of Swalecliffe & The Plough

·         17th April, Darren Baker talking about Route 66.

Any Other Business:  Godfrey said that Golf Day is fast approaching.  He will bring this up frequently from now on to remind everyone that the event needs more sponsors, more teams and more raffle prizes.

                David M reminded members about how to start the card machine.  There is a new simplified shortcut for doing this.  Instructions are in the lid of the box.

                Spyros said that the parking space outside his flat in Whitstable is empty most of the time and available for club members if they need to use it.  Please ring Spyros.

                Dave C said that there will be an celebration this week end to mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Viking ship Hugin at Pegwell Bay.  There will be stalls, and a Viking battle re-enactment.  From 10.00am until about 4.00pm.

Raffle:                   Won by Paul.

Master-at-Arms:              According to Nick, today is International Red Shoe Day, and also Carousel Day.  It is also the anniversary of the first cross channel flight by Louis Bleriot.

Final Toast:         Given by Gerry

Next Meeting:

07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 1st August 2024 @ The Plough