Inner Wheel District 22 Rally Tuesday 27th March

This started with a service at the Methodist Church in Chesterfield followed by lunch at The Winding Wheel.  A most enjoyable day in the company of Inner Ladies and large hats

Inner Wheel District 22 Pre-Rally Dinner Monday 26th March

Lorraine and I were invited to join with District Chairman Sue, George and the District Executive for their Pre-Rally Dinner at Chesterfield Golf Club.  Special Guest was Association President Phyllis Charter.

Paul Harris Lunch Sunday 25th March

A full house at the Novotel for the Paul Harris Lunch.  Guest speaker was Nan McCreadie who will be RIBI President 2013/14.  Thanks to DGE David for organising the day

Young Chef Regional Final Saturday 24th March

Four Districts were represented for this Regional Final. Lorraine was one of the four judges. The winner was Jessica Berry from District 1040 (my old District) and she will go through to the National Final.  Congratulations to Carolyn Stone on a well organised event

Rotary Club of Burton on Trent Charter Friday 23rd March

An evening to celebrate their 76th Charter and at the same time my birthday.  This was held at Burton Town Hall with the Marchington Singers as entertainment.

District Council Meeting 22nd March

This was held at the John Godber Centre at Hucknall.  As well as the business we had a presentation on Life Education and the benefits it creates.

Final of District Quiz Wednesday 21st March

Lorraine and I went to Gladstone Lodge Ilkeston for this final. A dozen teams fought a hard battle and the winners were Bretby as last year, with runners up being Carlton, also as last year.  Thanks to Mike Storr for organising the event.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Trent Bridge Tuesday 20th March

This was an informal visit to the club to present their banner for achieving the highest Per Capita contribution to the Rotary Foundation for 2010/11.  The speaker was from the Wenlock Olympic Society and the photo shows the president with the speaker and the mascots for this year's Olympic Games

Rotary Club of Matlock Charter Monday 19th March

For once, a local charter to attend, just a few miles from home.  I was driven by Joint President Mike Tomlinson to the New Bath Hotel, Matlock Bath.  The club had two visitors from the twin club Silves (Portugal)

Children of Courage awards Monday 19th March

This was a joint event organised by the Rotary Clubs of Newark and Newark Castle and again the first for these clubs. After a buffet lunch five very worthy young people were presented with their awards

District Alumni Tea Sunday 18th March

This was the first time this had been organised.  Congratulations to John Dain for organising this event at the Novotel.  Around 20 students and team leaders attended.  It is hoped that this will become an annual event.

Rotary Club of Dronfield Charter Friday 16th March

Held at the Hallows Golf Club, Lorraine and I were taken by Rtn. Colin Lloyd. President Andy presided over a informal charter with a very humorous after dinner speaker Canon Alan Haydock of the Rotary Club of Bingham.

Rotary Club of Wirksworth New Members night Thursday 15th March

Joint President David had worked very hard to invite half a dozen prospective members to the meeting.  During the meeting cheque presentations were made to the Mountain Rescue and the local football club.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Bakewell Wednesday 14th March

The club held their weekly meeting at Carsington Sailing Club where they presented a cheque to the Ellen McArthur Trust.  The money had been raised when President Kathryn had her long hair cut short and was sponsored by Rotarians and friends.

Rotary Club of Kirkby in Ashfield Charter Tuesday 13th March

This charter was at the Hostess Restaurant with the usual wonderful choice of menu.  Like the Wirksworth Club, the Kirkby Club has joint presidents.  President Eric and President John were almost as good as Eric and Ernie Wise.  The entertainment for the evening was Newstead Brass.

Rotary Club of Heanor Charter Monday 12th March

Lorraine and I were taken to this Charter by Rtn Mike Tomlinson (Joint President of the Wirksworth Club)  This was held at Morley Hayes.  As the meal was being served President Dennis remarked to Lorraine that he had a very warm feeling down is back (it was the gravy being spilled the length of his dinner suit jacket).

The evening ended with some wonderful musical entertainment but not from the two on the photograph.

District Link Evening Thursday 8th March

This was held at the Novotel, Long Eaton.  An excellent turn out once again to support this special evening with Ambassadorial Scholars and past GSE members sharing their experiences. They were interviewed by Colin Slater who did a good good getting the best from the youngsters.

Immediate PDG Val talked about the Indian Housing Project and presented me with a framed photograph of the house paid for by the Rotary Club of Wirksworth in memory of PDG Arnold Crosby.

Rotary Club of Newark Castle Charter Tuesday 6th March

Lorraine and I, along with driver Mel Askew attended the 25th Charter at the Cecil Ford Pavilion on Newark Showground.  As we stood to say grace all lights went out and remained out for the next 45 minutes, delaying the meal and the evening entertainment.
The staff provided candles until the lights came back on and then the meal was served.
The speaker was Andrew Parker who by chance lives in Darley Dale not half a mile from us.  He provided excellent entertainment as did the magician.

Despite the problem, President Ken and all guests enjoyed the evening.

Rotary Club of Mansfield Tuesday 6th March

This was the 21st Children of Courage Awards and lunch, organised by the Mansfield Club.  Nine awards were made to young people showing outstanding courage in overcoming various problems.  Simon Weston was the guest speaker.  Simon spoke not about himself but the children.

Rotary Club of Worksop Charter Sunday 4th March

Held at The Old Bell, Barmby Moor.  A very pleasant and relaxing afternoon with President Peter Swinscoe.
The entertainment was Organ Grinder Patrick Cooke.  See photo but note I was not the 'monkey'.

Rotary Club of Ripley Charter Friday 2nd March

Held at Santo's at Higham, it was well attended and President Owen brought his own style to the Charter.  During the Roll Call Owen walked around the room and greeted each club. Owen's children and partners were all there to support him.

Time to visit my own Club Thursday 1st March

Got to my own club, with nothing to do but to catch up with members and events.

Visit the Rotary Club of Mapperley Wednesday 29th February

A special showing of the film 'Sunshine and Oranges' organised by the club for members and guests.  This film tells the story of Rtn Margaret Humphries (West Bridgford) who has worked for 25 years trying to re-unite children who were sent to Australia in the 50's and 60's with their families back home in the UK.  President Bill presented Margaret with a cheque for her charity.

Visit to Rushden, Northants, Wednesday 29th February

Lorraine and I were invited to Alfred Street Junior School to receive a cheque for nearly £800 raised by the children to support Aquabox.  I gave them a brief talk and a demonstration of the new filter unit.  The children were very interested as you can see from the photo.