District 1260 Fellowship in Action: Celebrating International Nurses Day

By Amanda Joseph | District 1260 Membership Lead (Incoming 2026–27)

Tuesday 12th May marked a significant occasion for Rotary District 1260 as members from across the region converged for an evening of exceptional fellowship and community focus. Hosted by the Brookmans Park Rotary Club at the Woodman Inn & Carvery, the meeting served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in our multi-club network.

A Warm District Welcome

President Gill Sinnott opened the proceedings by welcoming a diverse group of visitors. The evening saw a fantastic turnout from neighbouring clubs, fostering the collaborative spirit that defines our District. Notable guests in attendance included:

• Tony Gibbs (President) and James Thompson of Potters Bar Rotary Club.

• Andrew Picken (President), John Hopley, and Aida Startaite of Hatfield Rotary Club.

• Amanda Joseph (Secretary of WGC Rotary and Incoming District 1260 Membership Lead).

• Hannah Osborne from Brookmans Park Primary School.

Honouring Our Healthcare Heroes

The meeting was held on International Nurses Day, providing a poignant backdrop for our guest speakers. The District was privileged to hear from two leading figures in local healthcare: Elizabeth Franklin Jones, Divisional Director of Nursing and Quality for Children and Young People at Lister Hospital, and Becky Brinkley, Matron for Acute Children's Services at Lister Hospital.

Despite having just completed demanding shifts, Elizabeth and Becky volunteered their time to share the inspiring progress of the Children’s Big Build.

Supporting the East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity

The presentation highlighted the transformative work of the East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity. This organisation provides vital support to patients and staff across:

• The Lister Hospital (Stevenage)

• The New QEII (Welwyn Garden City)

• Hertford County Hospital

• Mount Vernon Cancer Centre

From funding advanced medical equipment and innovative research to providing toys for paediatric wards, the charity ensures that hospital stays are more comfortable for families across our community.

How You Can Help

Rotary’s commitment to "Service Above Self" aligns perfectly with the mission of these dedicated healthcare professionals. We encourage all clubs and members to learn more about the incredible impact of the Big Build and the wider charity.

Get Involved: To learn more or to make a donation, please visit the official website:

The evening concluded with a delicious carvery and the kind of warm, spirited discussion that makes District 1260 such a vibrant community. A huge thank you to Brookmans Park Rotary for their hospitality and for organising such a meaningful celebration of service