Speaker Meeting, 6.15 for 6.30pm

“Visiting clubs is certainly the most enjoyable part of my role.”  The speaker was Rotary District 1100 Governor Jim Currie (Bristol Rotary Club) who was making his official visit to our Club.  DG Jim was accompanied by his wife Moira, who is also a Rotarian.

The District Governor mentioned the following topics.

Membership.  District 1100 is back up to 1480 members. Rotary International figures are showing us to be the second fastest growing District this year in GB&I.   Growth is being driven by the two new clubs, Hereford Elgar and Evesham Vale, and a few new members recruited through the Social Media Marketing Campaign.  In almost all the other clubs in the District membership is stable.

The war in Ukraine. The two modular houses funded by District have been installed and out of 20 or so funded through GB&I our District is responsible for three.  In recent months more than 100 generators have been sourced and transported to Ukraine.

The District Forum (Zoom) on 23rd February.  There will be two excellent presentations – one from Rotarians Greg and Lorraine Staniek on the work they have been doing for Ukraine and secondly, a story of collaboration from the Newent and Ross on Wye clubs.  Also an interactive session on what we need to do to make our clubs attractive to prospective new members. 

District 1100 Gala Dinner & Dance on 18th March.  Jim said it is a separated part of District Conference and replicates what we would have been doing on the Saturday night of our traditional weekend conferences in years past.   All Club Presidents have received a good supply of leaflets.  (President Terry confirmed that he had given one to every member)

PETS, training for all our incoming Presidents. On the weekend of 24th to 27th March, our President Elect, Ann Debureaux-Dias, has indicated that she will be attending.

Jim’s three “C’s”….

Community: Work with or volunteer for your local community.

Collaboration: Join up with neighbouring clubs for bigger projects.  Good example in Swindon was the raising of £3m for the Brighter Futures Scanner Appeal.

Club Development: Some new initiatives are being trialled in the Bristol area.  A Facebook campaign, holding a Showcase event, and targeting retirees (e.g. Police, Fire-fighters and so on).  Also a new separate groups type of membership.  Members of these groups are to all intents and purposes, doing what Rotarians do, but without being Rotarians officially.  They meet face-to-face but not over a meal. Members pay £10 a month. The associated Rotary club does all the administration.  It was pointed out to Jim that we are doing a similar thing by having a “Friends of Rotary” group who pay nothing at all.

Finally, the District Governor reminded us that Membership Development Grants are available.  “Clubs are encouraged to apply,” he said.