Club Bulletin September 2023

                                                Rotary Club of Cheltenham North

                                                              September 2023 Bulletin

Message from the President Kevin Gwilliam

Whilst I write this – guess what it’s raining again. Let’s hope for an Indian Summer!!

On brighter note August has been one of those months – what an introduction to the Presidency of Cheltenham North, looking for a new venue. So, as you all know the New Club was imposing unjustifiable additional charges and therefore Council decided to investigate alternate venues, under Maureen’s leadership.

The Queen’s hotel was voted for as being most suitable by members and therefore we commence meeting there from the 31st August when we say good bye to Heath who returns to the USA in October.

I would also like to congratulate Maureen and her team for doing a magnificent job in finding the alternative venue. We have left the New Club on extremely good terms.

During August Janet and I handed over a cheque to National Star College which was part of Janets wish in her year as President charity. This will fund furnishing four rooms in their new building. The new building was very impressive which is providing living accommodation for their students during term time.

As we move into Autumn, we now look forward to two of the clubs’ fund-raising events – The annual Wine Festival and Carol Concert to which I wish all the success.

A mixture of stories Richard Purdon

Four Cheltenham North Rotarians joined DG Anne for her first District Meeting on line.

She had put together a “busy programme” with 3 presentations.

· We heard about another Rotary partnership – this time with Bi-polar UK. All Rotarians are encouraged to take the Mood Test. I am definitely a 6- well most of the time!!

Surprisingly there are more people in UK that are diagnosed with this than Alzheimer’s.

Rotarians, if interested can sign up to assist “ help - groups” which are set up by county.

· There was then an update on RNLI – and this confirmed how important they are to our coast lines, and how like Air ambulances they have to fund their outstanding public service without any taxpayer help.

They are just looking for funds.

· And finally we were given a lengthy reminder on the history of Rotary’s support to End Polio Now.

The good news is there has been only 6 cases of WPV this calendar year to date. Donations from our District last Rotary year was £32,000. And the plea for more cash into this cause was requested.

We were reminded that much of the money raised, and added to by the Gates Foundation, is spent on immunising 400 million kids per annum.

To that end, eagle eyed Rotarians will have seen the recent RIBI newsletter, which is promoting a 1 mile walk on World Polio Day at the End of October. There is a sponsorship form available for those who are interested.

Boules Nigel Gilhead

A mixed report - one loss and one win. That means we end the season with four wins, one loss.

Well done and thank you to: Tony P, Beth, Richard, John P, Tony H and Mike S.

Good social sessions after the latest games, at the Wall Sports Club where Gloucester meet weekly and then enjoying the fine evening outside the Greatfield. Following a last minute confirmation that Pershore were actually coming this was followed by a venue change to Brizen, brought on by the travellers stopping in Sandford Park for a few days (they have since departed).

Update for the Carol Concert Gill Rouse

Plans are going well for the Carol Concert on Tuesday 19th December at Cheltenham Ladies College. This year the event will feature the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, Cranham Handbell Ringers, the choirs from Leckhampton Primary School and our soloist Imogen Bowen who will hopefully be joined by her brother who is also a chorister. Our organist will be Tim Ingold, who kindly played for us last year.

At the moment we do not have a compere but Faye Hatcher (previously of BBC Radio Gloucestershire) has agreed to perform at a cost – we are waiting for to know her fee.

John Phillip will be stage managing the event and Beth will be organising all the performers. Vivien has kindly agreed to doo the refreshments again. As many of you as possible will be needed to help so please put the date in your diary.

Update for the Wine Festival Gill Rouse

Here again we need your help and support. Please keep the day free to help and please buy your tickets on line asap. There are flyers available for this event - please distribute them in

as many places as possible - hairdressers, local library, pubs etc will all help to spread the word. Encourage your friends to buy tickets.

This is one of our major fundraising events and to continue to be a success, we must sell more tickets. Please think deeply who you can ask.

Michael Jones has managed to get some wonderful raffle prizes.

At the moment we have 4 sponsors: Woodchester Valley. Cotswold Wine School, D’Arcy Wines and Deer Park Winery. There are 24 exhibitors to date and ideally we would like 3 more vineyards to sign up. We have 8 weeks to go.

Congratulations on 50 years

It has come to my attention that Roger Grimshaw was inducted into RCCN on 23rd August 1973 – 50 years ago! The President at that time was Ken Mingle – Manager of Co-op Dept Store in Strand Cheltenham. The club then met at The Belle Vue Hotel in the Strand and was then one year old.

I believe that Geoff Fox was inducted shortly before Roger so he must also have been a member of RCCN for 50 years.

Many congratulations to you both.

Gala Event Michael Jones

The rotary club of Gloucester is holding a Gala Event on Saturday 27 April 2024 in aid of local charities. Entitled Walk Like a Man the event will feature Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons with compere Marshall King. The venue is Hatherley Manor Hotel and tickets are £85 per person (or £80 pp on for a table of 10) to include a 3 course dinner.

Future Programme Clive O’Gorman

Mon, Sep 4th 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

MEETING CANCELLED

PLEASE NOTE MEETING CANCELLED. FIRST SEPTEMBER MEETING ON 18th SEPTEMBER AT THE QUEENS HOTEL

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Fri, Sep 15th 2023 at 9:30 am - Sun, Sep 17th 2023 - 5:00 pm

Rotary Action Summit

The Rotary Action Summit in Manchester See "Details" for more Information.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Mon, Sep 18th 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Guest Speaker at the Queens Hotel

A Club Meeting at the Queens Hotel Speaker Susan Scothern of Glos. Bundles. Host Gwynne Tucker Brown

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Wed, Sep 20th 2023 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Club Council Meeting

A Club Council Meeting at the home of Linda Pawley

__________________________________________________________________________________________Mon, Oct 2nd 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Guest Speaker at the Queens Hotel

A Club Meeting at the Queens Hotel Guest Speaker is Richard Chatham Details of talk TBA Host Bill Macleod

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Mon, Oct 16th 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Guest Speaker at the Queens Hotel

A Club Meeting at the Queens Hotel Guest speaker TBA Host Linda Pawley.

Sat, Oct 28th 2023 at 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Cheltenham Wine Festival 28th October 2023

The Cheltenham Wine Festival to be held at the Pittville Pump Rooms on 28th October 2023 TICKETS ON SALE NOW .

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Mon, Oct 30th 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Guests and Speaker at Queens Hotel

A Club Meeting with Guests at the Queens Hotel Guest speaker Paul Murphy. Paul will give a talk on Charlie Chaplin Part One (Part two date TBA) Host Beth Phillip.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Mon, Nov 6th 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Speaker at the Queens Hotel

A Club Meeting at the Queens Hotel Guest Speaker TBA Host John Phillip

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Sat, Nov 18th 2023 at 9:30 am - 6:00 pm

Love Thy Turf

Cheltenham North are supporting Cheltenham Races again this year as Volunteers.

Contact Richard Purdon.

Mon, Nov 20th 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Business Meeting/SGM at the Queens Hotel

Club Business Meeting/SGM at the Queens Hotel which includes election of Club officers for 2024/25 ,review of Club Accounts for 2022/23 and report from Club Trustees. Host Kevin Gwilliam.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Thu, Nov 23rd 2023 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

District Council Meeting

A District Council Meeting Details TBA.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Mon, Dec 4th 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Christmas Function with Guests at the Queens Hotel

Club Christmas Function with Guests at the Queens Hotel . Host Kevin Gwilliam.

Mon, Dec 18th 2023 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Speaker at the Queens Hotel

A Club Meeting at the Queens Hotel Details of Speaker TBA Host Richard Purdon.

Tue, Dec 19th 2023 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Carol Concert 19th December 2023

The 45th Carol Concert organised by Cheltenham North will be held in the Princess Hall of the Ladies College on the 19th December 2023. Details to follow.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Mon, Jan 1st 2024 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

CLUB MEETING IS CANCELLED

Club Meeting is CANCELLED Bank Holiday.

__________________________________________________________________________________________