General Meeting with Speaker

Thursday, 14 August 2025 Breakfast meeting Apologies- Gerry, Jean, Lesley, Maggie, Pete, Pippa, Reggie. Guests- Alfie, and his mum and dad, Sheila, Wayne, Sue. Alfie’s Army Fund for Young Lives vs Cancer- Alfie’s dad told the club all about Alfie’s fight with leukaemia. Sadly at 9 years old Alfie has spent 5-6 years having chemotherapy. The family were first introduced to Young Lives vs Cancer at the Royal Marsden, they were offered help and support varying from covering car parking costs, food, toys and personal products.- Because of the help the family received and saw other families receive they decided to fund raise for YLvC. Alfie’s Army Fund was born. They specifically raise funds for the family welcome packs and enabling the charity to provide or f inance housing costs near to treatment units. YLvC also supports families emotionally and financially with end of life and funeral costs.- As well as financial support YLvC has therapists who can help psychologically and emotionally.- YLvC links closely with the nhs and other charities providing support to children and families. Treasurer- Teams for the Golf day are needed by David M by 29/8, before he jets off on yet another holiday, to ensure the paperwork is all ready.- The updated Christmas card previously circulated by David was agreed. Fundraising- More people are needed to cover the Chestfield fun day 25/8, it is an afternoon event so there will be two shifts.- Car parking on 26/8 is also needing more people to sign up. 1 International - Dave’s Rave raised £150 and a great time was had by those who attended. Humanitarian Services- 20/9 9am gardening at the WTH. Bulbs and pansies as well as a tidy up. Social- 30/9 12-3pm Pat has organised a wine tasting at Brenley Farm with a talk or walk, weather dependent, and a visit to Pat’s studio should anyone wish to see it.- Whitstable Rotary are holding a Pig Race in Cafe 39 this Sunday at 2.30. Membership- Sheila’s induction will take place at our meeting on 28/8. AOB- The Presidents Board is looking shipshape thanks to Spyros’ framer.- Kathy visited the mobile unit we are supporting through Hope for Tomorrow and was very impressed. Greetings from other clubs- Spyros brought greetings from Edward Metsel at the Saffron Waldron club who take the mobility aids Spyros collects.- Kevin or Keith from Epping Rotary also sent best wishes from his visit to our stand on Harbour Day. Raffle Pat won a bottle of wine. Master at Arms- We were duly fined for toplessness, size of plums, behind the beach huts, musical chairs and leafless figs!- Dave C regaled us with a ditty about the loss of a wooden ship and her crew, plus the cargo of woodpeckers  Final toast given by Robert. Next meeting 21/8 7.30 for 8am at the Monument