General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting 07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 8th August 2024 @ The Plough

Present:               Andrew B, Dave C, David M, Gerry, Godfrey, Ian, Kathryn, Lesley, Margaret, Nick, Pat, Paul, Pete, Pippa, Reggie, Robert, Spyros.

Apologies:           Andrew M, Chris, David K, Elaine, Fiona, Hilary, Jean, Maureen, Marian, Sue, Trevor, David B.

Welcomes:         Ian was in the chair today.  He welcomed everyone to the meeting.  There were no birthdays.

Grace:                   Paul

BREAKFAST

Business:

Fund Raising:  Pat reported about the Craft Fair this last week end.  She thanked everyone who attended, and added that the event raised £300 which will go into the club charity account.  She has been asked if she will arrange another one, so she may look to do so in November as a pre-Christmas Fair.  Crafters who are exhibiting will be allowed space next time to sell some of their wares.  Refreshments will include seasonal cake and mince pies.  This will all take up more room, so Pat will look for a bigger venue.  The members present gave Pat a round of applause.  Later, Mel was presented with flowers and chocolates as a thank you.

                Paul said that an additional volunteer was needed for the mid day shift for the next Car Parking day.

Social:  Pat said that she still has to firm up arrangements for the afternoon tea at Brogdale.

                Ian's garden party is confirmed for 2.00pm on Tuesday 17th September.  Please indicate your attendance or non-attendance on the sheet in the folder, so he can arrange refreshments.  Note: it would be a good idea to car share as there is only limited parking at Ian's.

                The Bat & Trap evening will be from 6.30pm on Friday day 20th August.  Mel will provide nibbles. 

Comm / Voc:  Kathryn reported that she had a meeting with Hilary at which they agreed the club might try to provide practical help, not just financial, to some of the charities we deal with.  This might include, for example, marshalling at events.  Kathryn has spoken to Pilgrims Hospice, and plans also to contact Kent Carers.

Membership:  Pete said he has sent membership information to Louisa Constantin.

Any Other Business:        Dave C read out a thank you card from Kent, Surrey & Sussex air ambulance for our support towards them being able to buy their helicopter.

                Pete & Gerry have attended a meeting about Cancer Awareness.  The meeting highlighted the problem of encouraging people to attend screening programmes.  They also heard about an organisation called Books2Africa.  Pete wondered if we might organise a book day / collection at some point?  He has taken the details of someone who might be able to attend a meeting as a speaker.

                Godfrey mentioned the fast-approaching Golf day.  We still need raffle prizes.  David M asked if sponsors will need invoices.

Greetings from Other Clubs:                        Kathryn brought greetings from Whitstable, Pete from Folkestone, and Nick from Forest of Blean.

Raffle:                   was won by Nick.

Master-at-Arms:              According to Nick, today is International Cat Day, and also the anniversary of the 1963 Great Train Robbery.  It is also Dustin Hoffman's birthday.

Final Toast:         Proposed by Andrew B

Next Meeting:

07.30am for 08.00am Thursday 15th August 2024 @ The Plough