Bulletin for September 2025

The Club Bulletin for September 2025

Rotary Club of Cheltenham North

September 2025 Bulletin

Visit to Stanway House President David

On Friday 22nd August a merry band of members went to the hills, the Cotswold Hills in fact, to visit Stanway House. There was 16 of us plus three guests. We all arrived early having expected hold ups from typical Cheltenham roads and traffic but there was none. It was a sign from the gods of old that it was going to be a good day. It certainly was and “old” was the order of the day. Stanway House certainly went back in time.

Paul our guide introduced himself. He was a fount of knowledge.

We learned that there had been a house on the site of Stanway House since the 11th Century in William the Conquers time and that the house itself had only changed families once in its entire life. The present owner was James Charteris the 13th Earl of Wemyss who owned a large “wedge” of Scotland and used the house as his second home, his country retreat! He was as we learned from Paul a very good egg! The house contained, inter alia, a large banquet hall, a study and a private lounge all filled with items from the Earl’s past including (humourously) postage stamps stuck to the ceiling and a large shove halfpenny table.

Paul then took us outside and the fountain was switched on to show what you can all see in the photographs. A fantastic sight.

Hot foot and hungry we then dashed to The Plough for lunch. Prizing ourselves away from Paul was an effort in itself. He could talk for England!!!

Becky at The Plough served up excellent food to us all. I had cottage pie and it was delicious. There was so much on the plate that I thought I would have to leave some - but no I polished it all off as did those ladies who ordered it too.

Well done the chef and thank you Becky for giving us a private section of the pub to dine in.

A lovely day enjoyed by all. Thank you Gill and Michael for suggesting the trip. Who is going to think up our next trip say in the autumn. Suggestions on a postcard please!!!

Boules Nigel Gilhead

District 1100 Boules

We have played two boules matches, drawing with 3 games each, in both cases.

However in such circumstances the result hinges on points scored, meaning we lost against Winchcombe and won against North Cotswolds (Rams).

Between writing this and publication, we have our last match of the season hosting North Cotswolds (Tups) in Sandford Park on Thursday evening. We can reveal that result at the next meeting.

The matches have been enjoyed by the teams, being precursors to a friendly meal in a local pub.

The Club needs to thank: David, Richard, Tony, John and Beth for being our ambassadors on these evenings.

Having started late this year our pool of volunteers was able to cover these arranged games, however for next year please let me know if you want to play, as we need four members to make up a team and a larger squad would give us some flexibility.

Wine Festival Peter Watson

The Wine Festival is to be held on Saturday 18th October 2025. As in the past, we need a large number of helpers on the day and I will be writing to you all early next month with further details. Please keep this date free!

Carol Concert Gill Rouse

This year’s concert will be on Tuesday 16th December 2025 in the Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College. Last year we were short of helpers and it is very important that everyone saves this date and helps in whatever way they can. Tony Pawley will be our chief steward this year so please give him all the support you can.

Future Programme Clive O’Gorman

Mon, Sep 1st 2025 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Speaker

Club Meeting with a Guest Speaker The Speaker is Emma Hildesley who is Community Fund Raising Manager for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Menu See website. Host Tony Pawley

___________________________________

Mon, Sep 15th 2025 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Partners and Guests plus Speaker

Club Meeting with Partners and Guests plus Guest Speaker. The Speaker Richard Fowler will give a talk on the activities of Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club. Menu details TBA Host Stephen Wood

____________________________________

Mon, Oct 6th 2025 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Speaker

Club Meeting with a Guest Speaker Martin Jones is our Speaker, his talk is on “ Moog of Tewkesbury and Formula 1 technology”. Moog is his company name. Host Anne Bartholomew

__________________________________

Sat, Oct 18th 2025 at 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Cheltenham Wine Festival

The next Cheltenham Wine Festival will take place at the Ladies College Health and Fitness Centre Malvern Road. GL502NX. on 18th October 2025 Tickets and link available see website

___________________________________

Mon, Oct 20th 2025 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Guest Speaker

A Club Meeting with a Guest Speaker. Derek Knight will talk on “Witness Support”. Menu TBA Host Bernie Campbell

___________________________________

Mon, Nov 3rd 2025 at 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Club Meeting with Guest Speaker

A Club Meeting. Our Guest Speaker is Tommy Hopkins our RYLA candidate. Host Ann Carter

_________________________________

Sat, Nov 8th 2025 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Cheltenham Round Table Fireworks at the Cheltenham Racecourse

Volunteers required to assist as Marshalls at the Racecourse Contact Richard Purdon for more information.