Meeting Note for 18th May 2026

                              THE ROTARY CLUB OF CHELTENHAM NORTH
 

                              MEETING NOTES FOR MONDAY 18th MAY, 2026 

WELCOME
President Elect and District Governor Anne Bartholomew welcomed members to the meeting.
There were 19 members in attendance. Our speaker was Charlene Beasant a parent of a Betteridge
School student. Speaker Host was Linda Pawley who read a Thought for the Day.
Charlene gave a very explanatory talk on the Sharing Shed at Betteridge School which is run by
three parents. She also explained the purpose of their proposed Garden, which we incidentally
had turned down for a grant. One hopes that now we know more about the garden Charlene and her
colleagues will reapply.

WELFARE
Rod Hill is out of hospital and back at Thirlestaine House. Sue Hughes is hors de combat due to
a leg problem.
 

RGBI

Possible increase in subscription to be £86-87.
RI has donated $800,000 over three years for recruitment of members.
DG Anne said that plans included Corporate membership and Direct Members (i.e. not affiliated
to a particular club).

OTHER NEWS

RC of Evesham founded in 1948 was closing, with several members joining the newer club in
Evesham.
Richard Purdon advised members about Rotary Holidays for Children.
RC of Gloucester Severn’s Dragon Boat Festival hit the television news and was a successful event.
It was interesting to note that the organisation of this was undertaken by a professional company.

DONATION TO SUE RYDER HOSPICE

Members present voted to donate £5,000 at Nigel Gilhead’s request to Sue Ryder Hospice for the purchase
of a bladder scanner. The following is what one of their doctors wrote regarding the scanner:
The bladder scan will be an essential piece of equipment to minimize invasive
procedures (catheterization) in the last days of life. It is fast and simple to use 
and appropriate for all our patients. It will minimize discomfort and agitation to
our unwell dying patients as we will be able to correctly and easily identify those
that have retained urine and require catheterization, and those that do not.
Bladder scans are used day to day in hospitals and it will be brilliant if we can bring 
this standard of care to our hospice setting.
 

ALL ABOUT OPERA

Gill Rouse reported that this concert is taking place on Friday 29th May and currently 87 tickets have 
been sold. Tickets will be available on the door.

MEMBERSHIP

Clive O’Gorman requested any member seeking to resign to contact him by the deadline of
15th June.

THANK YOU LUNCH AT RICHARD AND HELEN PURDON’S HOME

This will take place on Sunday 26th July and is a thank you to David Hearle for his work and
leadership as President. Please let Richard know if you would like to attend. The lunch
commences at 12.00 noon and finishes at 3.00 p.m. Details have already been emailed to you.

SPORT

Nigel Gilhead circulated a board for members to sign up to play Boule in Monmouth.
Please contact him if you are willing to play.
 

DISTRICT COMMITTEE

A meeting will be taking place on Thursday 21st May when voting will take place on the
2026/2027 budget.

THE GREAT SPECTACLE HUNT

As promised by Rosanne there was a prize for the largest number of spectacles donated by
members on Monday evening. This was won outright by Clive O’Gorman who donated one
pair. As there were no other contenders, and despite temptation to open the prize and share
the contents, Clive went home with the Chocolates!

NEXT MEETING

This will take place on Monday 1st June at The Queens Hotel when our speaker will be our
very own David Hearle who will be talking about his Presidential Year.

E&OE