Weekly Meeting 17 August 2015

The weekly meeting commenced with a minute's silence in memory of Julia Wells, Inner Wheel Past President and wife of Rotary Past President David Wells.

Accompanying David was his son Andrew.

Also present was District Governor Elect Peter West.

Peter was deputising for District Governor Ray Dixon who is presently indisposed and is visiting a good number of the 85 clubs in the District.

Peter commenced his talk Rotary by stating that Rotary is not a dining club and it is not a fundraising club. It is a Service Organisation. We should be out there doing things.
If we have a good idea but it is against 'rules' or protocols, then change the rules. If it needs DG authority, then such permission will be granted subject to the idea having good rationale. If we see an opportunity, then go for it.

When talking about membership he stated that Deal must be doing something right as we have had great success in attracting a significant number of new members.

Peter talked about RI's involvement with the campaign to rid the world of polio stating that although there were only 36 reported cases during this past year—from Afghanistan and Pakistan—and those in Afghanistan can be traced back to Pakistan. We must not become complacent because unless the vaccination continues the virus could well reappear. He said the donations to the fund were 10% down on last year's.

He said that he had met and talked to Rotary International's President K.R. Ravindran.

He explained the meaning of Ravi's (as he likes to be called) motto 'Be a Gift To The World'.

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) was high upon Ravi's priorities which will celebrate 100 years since its inception in 2017. He was not sure in what format these celebrations will be.

Peter asked if club members would be attending the annual conference in Bournemouth this year and was happy to discover that the Deal club normally has a good representation and said that it should be good with entertaining speakers.

In summing up he apologised for the District web site which is currently in a state of disarray because the webmaster has been indisposed for some months. There was a warning about relying solely upon one person being responsible for the web site with no back up personnel to take over in such cases. A comment of which we should do well to take notice.

PP David Hannent mentioned a recent communication from the RC of Dover club about the John Graeme Charity Golf Day which is now to be held at Walmer and Kingsdown GC on Thursday 3rd September. The golf is £35 and the dinner afterwards is £20. Several of our members belong to the W&KGC so may be interested. David is taking names of those that are interested in attending the dinner only.

PP Peter Rothschild, as speaker arranger announced that any changes to the list already published will be relayed to PP David Hannent who maintains the diary for all club events during the year. There are twelve Rotarians who have intimated their choice of club(s) to visit. Peter also mentioned that he is taking names of those who wish to visit a neighbouring club during our scatter week commencing the first week of September.

On the previous Sunday outside Dunkerley's Restaurant three Rotarians entertained the public with 'Songs of the Front'. A collection was taken amounting to £170 will be donated to the BRL Poppy Appeal. Sorry no photograph. The President thanked those who took part in both performing and collecting.

The birthday of PP Ben Finney was acknowledged last week but Ben thought it appropriate to demonstrate the braces that were given to him by PP Howard Binsted. He also brought with him a wooden puffin that dances when a wheel is turned that was given to him by his granddaughter. Surprisingly there is a label on the bottom that reads ... well you can see for yourself in the photo.

There was one 200 Club draw resulting in a win for D Finn from St Margarets. The wine draw was won by Rtn Stephen Misson who is enjoying it even as you read this report.