FOUNDATION REPORT FOR AGM 21ST APRIL 2015

I have to report the following activities during the current Rotary year.

POLIO. I have regularly reported global incidence of polio to Club business meetings. Good news is that there have only been 22 cases of polio reported so far this year 1 in Afghanistan and 21 in Pakistan. None in Africa for over 6 months.

Collection at Busy Bee 25/26th October Polio day weekend raised £613 which was promptly paid to RFUK polio a/c.

CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS. We bought one box (12 puddings) to support Cwmbran Vale's fundraising for UK Stroke Association. The nationwide appeal raised a total of £14,000 for the charity.

QUIZ. Held at Wotton 13th March raised £857-71 for Foundation dues. This gives us £1546 which = $2342 at present exchange rate which added to £808 already paid = $1324 at present exchange rate totals of £2354 and  $3666 which assuming our membership number was 34 at start of Rotary year x $100 per member means we have more than enough to pay our dues in full now. I propose that we pay the full £1546 to be on the safe side.

ST. GEORGES SCHOOL PROJECT. £500 District Grant approved plus £500 from our own charity a/c to provide road markings in school playground. Crown Park quickly responded to our request and the markings were laid on 23.3.15 at a cost of £450. This allowed us to pursue acquisition of traffic lights. A good deal was made with Sinowatcher of China for 2 modules of lights cost £218-54 plus £48 for import tax + VAT. A friend and electronic wizard Chris Colley has voluntarily fitted and assembled them into 2 sets of portable traffic and he has insisted on paying over £100 for bits and pieces!

There was an official presentation at the school of the roadway and traffic lights on Thursday 16th April. President Ron thanked all concerned for their input and Head teacher Sue Holman thanked Rotary, Crown Park and Chris Colley for their various roles in creating the facility. It was all made worthwhile when one could see the delight and enjoyment of the children as they used the roadway on their bikes.

Because of the generosity of Chris Colley and his associate we still just over £200 of project fund available and Sue Holman has agreed that I go ahead with purchase of some traffic cones and look at the possibility of providing some belisha beacons and STOP/LOOK LISTEN signs for the pedestrian crossing that is already incorporated in the roadway.

The school's intention is to have regular training sessions on Fridays between 1pm and 3pm. I intend to participate as often as possible and it would be in line current Rotary thinking if at least one Ryde Rotarian attended each Friday operating traffic lights and also monitoring other needs such as the general maintenance of the facility particularly charging of the traffic light batteries. There will be further discussion of our future activity for the school in due course.

In conclusion I would like to thank members of my committee and all Ryde Rotarians who have helped Foundation Committee in the various activities throughout this Rotary Year.

Mike Turner. Foundation Committee Chair.