District Governors Newsletter - February 2018

District Governor Report

The year is progressing swiftly, with many clubs visited and events and meetings attended. Less than five months to go for this Rotary year, and for us to Make a Difference. I have now visited the majority of clubs with just a handful to do in the next few weeks. With Spring approaching at long last, there are many events to attend, so I look forward to meeting many of you as I travel around.

I spent four weeks over Christmas and the New Year in India. I was invited to attend and to speak at District 3060’s conference by DG Ruchir Rani and his wife Sohangi. The district is all of Gujurat and a bit extra, and so about 2/3rds the size of the UK. I was made very welcome, and I saw how modern-day Rotary is working in India. I had expected it to be quite formal, quite male and in some ways ‘cheque book’ Rotary. It couldn’t have been further away from that. I saw a Rotary that is contemporary, younger members most of whom are working and a Rotary that is inclusive and equal for women. Their next DG is Pinky Patel! I was fortunate to go back to the district to stay with DG Ruchir and Sohangi, and was able to see Rotary projects including their amazing Hospital, that is fully funded by Rotarians, and is the best hospital in Gujurat, and more importantly available to ALL – I saw this in practice. Dave and Wendy Ford have already met Pinky and her husband, and I have put Mary and David Whitehead in contact with the DG for 2019/20. District 3060 would like to arrange a friendship exchange with our District, so hopefully this will happen over the next year or so.

Many trees have been planted by clubs, and many more are due to be planted, both locally and further afield. Please do try and take part in this, and put your details in to Rotary Club Central (we can help with this).

The DG Challenge was set up hopefully to provide a little fun for clubs during the year, but the opportunity to do something a little different to the norm. The events and ideas that I have heard about are fantastic and very varied, from joke books and cookery books, to tea parties, scouts running events, car boot sales, plant sales, wood turning, horse racing (don’t ask). I am amazed at the figures being raised to End Polio Now through this, as well as monies to club’s own charities. Thank you all so much. Let’s keep it going.

The Rotary Garden at Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit is in the process of being built and planting will begin in due course. As of this week (1st Feb)  £1,000 has come in from clubs. Could all District officers remind their clubs that the contribution needs to come in to Cedric before the end of the month if possible, as funds need to be sent over by the end of Feb. I have spoken with other DG’s and they are quite envious, and hopefully it will help Horatio’s Garden open up dialogue with other District as they design more gardens. Dr Olivia Chapple will be speaking at our conference.

If you haven’t noticed all the new membership videos that are out then you haven’t been looking at our Facebook page and website, so please take a look. There are videos of innovative clubs such as Maidenhead Bridge and Bentley Cheshire. I would like to arrange an evening this year where we have representatives of innovative clubs speaking to our members about how they were formed etc. Watch this space.

Let's make the most of the remaining months to Make a Difference through Rotary.

Cheryl

International Assembly

Dave and Wendy Ford enjoying themselves at RI Assembly in San Diego.

DGE Dave Ford and Wendy are really getting an idea of how international Rotary can be. They have met and shared discussions with people from all over the world.

They've had sessions on how to attract younger members, and we are all facing the same issues here. Hopefully they can bring back some ideas that we can all use.

Conference 2018 Update

f you and your Club are hoping to take full advantage of the weekend activities, please book early to avoid disappointment.  Go to http://www.rotary1260conference.org.uk/

To make the most of your time, you may wish to stay at one of the local hotels. There is a wide choice in close proximity, or easy travelling distance to the University.

To facilitate those attending the Dinner on Saturday, please note there is no strict dress code – come as you are. 

A full bar provision is available and after dinner you will be able to enjoy Rotary’s favourite musical group – Shades of Midnight.  (Mike can you put their photo?)

Sunday will be a celebration of how Rotary has and continues to help young people.  We will also take a look back at our last year in District 1260, with the announcement of the District awards to Clubs. Most especially, Sunday will mark the launch of the 2018/19 Rotary year, with the Presidential Handover.  Following the end of Conference you and your friends can enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch.

Develop your skill with Rotary

 Pubic Image Workshop
Thursday 22 February 2018
Venue: Holiday Inn, Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4UA

Rotakids and Interact Workshop
Thursday 8 March 2018
Venue: Holiday Inn, Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4UA

Online District Directory Workshop
Thursday 29 March 2018
Venue: Holiday Inn, Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4UA

All workshops are on Thursday at 7 for 7pm

Contact us at Leadership and Development in District 1260 at: jennymuir01@gmail.com

Global Grant Rotary Scholars 2017-18

These are the four Global Grants Scholars who are being hosted by our District from September, 2017 through to August, 2018. They are available to visit Rotary Clubs throughout their study year, and this facility is part of their Grant Terms and Conditions. You have options. Invite one Scholar along to your club meeting, or it might be worth considering organising a Scholars Evening and invite two along together. It costs nothing for our District and Clubs to ‘host’ these terrific young professional and ambitious students.  (Except perhaps an evening meal.)

All you have to do is contact the appropriate scholars host councillor by phone, text or e.mail and arrange mutually agreeable days/ dates. Global Grant Scholars must carry out between six and ten Rotary Club presentations during their study year, so please take advantage of the opportunities. Thanks in anticipation of your support. If you have any queries, or need help or advice, please get in touch with me.

Neil Beeton District 1260
Global Grant Scholars Co-ordinator.
Rotary Club of Newport Pagnell.
Neilbeeton@sky.com

Young Musician District Final

Please see the flyer for details of the District Young Musician Final.

It will be held at the Dr Challoner's High School, Little Chalfont, HP7 9NR on Sunday 25th March, commencing at 12.30 pm

if information is required contact Julia Siegler(Luton Someries) or Les Lee (Chesham).