Business meeting

At the Business Meeting of the Club there was a visiting Rotarian, James Barry from the Barnsley Club. Michael Blanch was inducted as a new member.  Alan Davies, due to pressure of work, was unable to continue as President –elect and Robert Hughes will fill the position. For the past three years Rotary have organised a Stroke Awareness and Blood Pressure Day Nationally. The Club arranged Days in Leyburn that were well supported by local people and visitors.  Leyburn, Hawes and Bedale Medical Practices feel they have sufficient coverage for Dales folk so this Day is no longer needed. In May 2008 a GSE team from Nepal might be in the Dale. Derek and Joyce Langley after many years helping to organise the Wenslydale Wander sought volunteers to replace them in 2008. Barrie Whitfield agreed to be the Wander Organiser. Concern has been expressed at the Club that it does little to help vulnerable, aggressive, disadvantaged young people in the Dale.  Phil Oliver attended the PeaceJam Conference in the Department of Peace Studies at Bradford University addressed by Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams and explained the purpose and the many successful results of PeaceJam. The Club wished to support projects that could help those excluded from School by reason of violence, bullying and challenging behaviours.  £40 is the cost of sending a young person, teacher or Youth leader to a PeaceJam. The Club is considering becoming a PeaceJam sponsor.