Joint Carol Service with Chesterfield and Chesterfield Scarsdale Rotary Clubs

I was invited to this service jointly organised by Rotary and Inner Wheel.  It was a good service led by Rtn. Tony Bethell and attended by the Chesterfield Male Voice Choir. Tea and mince pies were served.

Monday 12th December

No rest for Santa at this time of the year.  Suit on again and down to Dale Road Methodist Church to the Toddler Group.  All the parents were happy to have photos taken of their children with Santa.

Saturday 10th December

Santa was out again on Saturday afternoon, this time giving 60 senior citizens their gifts at the WI Pensioners Party.

Saturday evening Lorraine and I went to a joint social event with Alfreton Rotary Club and Inner Wheel. (I did not go as Santa)

Rotary Club of Wirksworth Christmas Collection Friday 9th December

Even though it was our 44th Wedding Anniversary Lorraine and I collected at Sainsbury's for three hours, me being the one in the Santa Suit. Ho Ho Ho.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Vale of Belvoir Thursday 8th December

Picked up Rtn Steve Lawes on route and enjoyed a good evening of fellowship with their members.  Although still only 8th December, the evening was a trial menu for their Christmas Dinner. Phot of President Duncan Garment

Informal visit to the Rotary Club of Bakewell Wednesday 7th December

I was invited by Rtn Joyce Buxton to attend the meeting and hear the Presentation from Miller Homes which is now an international organisation for young people.  The club had just had their new sleigh delivered and Joyce and I had our photo taken in it.

District Team Meeting Tuesday 6th December

Meeting was held at the Novotel where the various committees updated other team members on their activities.

Informal Visit to the Rotary Club of Beeston Monday 5th December

An extra visit to Beeston with AG Noel Harrison.  It was the club's special General Meeting but Noel and I left before it began.

Rotary Club of Wirksworth Santa Run Sunday 4th December

The Annual Santa Run took place at Carsington Water.  There was a turn-out of approx 120 Santas on a fine but cool morning.  It was supported by individuals and Rotarians from neighbouring clubs.  Everyone received a medal for taking part from Caroline Rossin. (Rainbows Hospice)

Rotary Club of Chadderton and Failsworth Thursday 1st December

I was invited to the Rotary Club to receive a cheque for Aquabox and give a talk on the project.  The date and time was agreed with the International Chairman but when I arrived the only other person there introduced himself as the speaker for the evening.  It would seem there was a total lack of communication between members in the club but because he was quite local he agreed to stand down.  The talk went well until it was time to receive the cheque when I was told that the Treasurer was not there and they would have to send it in the post.  A typical Rotary Meeting!!

Joint Visit to the Rotary Clubs of Bakewell, Hope Valley and Drone Valley, Wednesday 30th November

Accompanied by Assistant Governor John Shipman we went to the joint meeting at The Rutland Arms in Bakewell.  This had been organised by President Kathryn of the Bakewell Club.  It was very well attened by all three clubs and I presented Bakewell with their Presidential Citation from last year which had been passed to me by IPDG Val.  It was Kathryn's birthday on the night so President Ian (Hope Valley, President Anne (Drone Valley) joined me at the piano to sing Happy Birthday.

District 10 pin bowling competition Tuesday 29th November

As a member of the Wirksworth team we played Belper and Duffield Club at Chesterfield Bowling Alley.

It was a good evening of fellowship and I am pleased to report that Wirksworth won and are through to the next round.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Funchal, Madeira Tuesday 22nd November

A fellow District Governor visited the Funchal Rotary Club in September this year and arranged that I would visit the Club whilst on holiday and give a talk on Aquabox.  On Tuesday 22nd November Lorraine, Rtn Fred Leighton (Alfreton Club) and his wife Rita  and myself attended the meeting.  A number of club members were away on business but we were made very welcome and were joined by a visiting Rotarian from Finland.  Photo shows President Louisa and members of the club.

District 1180 Conference 11th,12th,13th November

Lorraine and I were guests of District Governor John McDowell at Chester Race Course.  The main conference session was all day Saturday.  There was an informal dinner on Friday evening, a formal dinner on Saturday evening and laying of the Poppy Wreath at Chester Cathedral on Sunday Morning.

Armistice Day Friday 11th November

At.11a.m. on 11th November I was privileged to be part of the Commemoration of Remembrance at the Derbyshire County Council Offices.  Along side the Vice Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff and the Chairman of Derbyshire County Council Councillor George Wharmby, I laid a wreath on behalf of all the Rotarians in District 1220.

Amber Valley Fashion Show Wednesday 9th November

I was invited ,with AG Roger Summers and Wirksworth Joint President David Hood to model at the Rotary Club of Amber Valley Fashion Show held at Masson Mill, Matlock Bath.  It was well attended by a number of Rotary Clubs and nearly £700 was raised for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Home.

Informal visit to Bakewell Rotary Club Wednesday 9th November

After having an eye test by the President of the Club (Kathryn) at her opticians, Lorraine and I joined the club for lunch at The Rutland Arms.  The speaker was Rtn Michael Jackson from the Rotary Club of Church Oswaldtwistle, speaking on Brunel.  He was accompanied by Rtn Doreen Lawton.

Visit to Rotary Club of Mansfield Tuesday 8th November

Only three days of their Club Charter I went to the club for the official Club Visit with driver Rtn John Shipman. Another evening of run and laughter with President Keith and his members.  The garlic mushrooms are a lasting memory.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Worksop Dukeries Monday 7th November

When Lorraine and I eventually found Worksop Golf Club (a well kept secret) and got through the electronic gate, we were made very welcome by President Mary and all the members.  They may be a small club but they get very large portions of food to eat.

Informal visit to the Rotary Club of Alfreton Monday 7th November

For the second time this Rotary year the Alfreton Club have broken from their traditional lunchtime meeting to have a 10.30a.m. brunch.  It was a well attended meeting and a less formal event than a normal meeting.

Chesterfield Charter Sunday 6th November

Held at the Ringwood Hall Hotel President Alan welcomed members, partners and friends.  The entertainment had a musical theme which was quite different!.

Mansfield Charter Friday 4th November

Held at the Hostess Restaurant with the usual high standard of food (as the picture shows).  Lorraine and I were welcomed by President Keith and his wife Enid (President of Mansfield Inner Wheel).

After the brief speeches were had some excellent musical entertainment.

A change from Rotary Friday lunchtime 4th November

Lorraine and I cooked lunch at the Church Hall in Darley Dale for 30 people before leaving for Mansfield Charter.  As you can see there were carrots on the menu.

Visit to Nottingham Rotaract Club, Thursday 3rd November

An excellent meeting with the members and prospective members.  There were 16 young people attending including two from Bulgaria and are already members of Rotaract but will join the Nottingham Club for the three years they are in the area.  President Sheriden also inducted a new member on the night.  I look forward to visiting them again.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Derby Mercia Wednesday 2nd November

Driven by Rtn. Ian Dolby we went to the Mackworth Hotel.  Despite Derby County playing at home there was a very good turn-out from club members.  We were welcomed by President Tim Park.

Matlock Rotary Club Murder Mystery Night Monday 31st October

We were guests of AG John Shipman and Sue at Matlock's Club Meeting.  During the meal we were entertained by the Murder Mystery players from Ripley.  Does anyone recognise the Rotarian in the picture?. He was one of the players but not the murderer.

Past District Governor's Lunch Sunday 30th October

This was held at the Red Brick House, Mansfield Woodhouse.  A very nice meal in pleasant company.  I updated those present on my year so far.

Peace Seminar at Bradford University Saturday 29th October

An early start for me as registration commenced at 8.30a.m.  Over 250 Rotarians and partners from all over the country attended including 14 people from District 1220 (a good representation).
We had presentations from last year's and this year's intake.

Worksop Dukeries Charter Friday 28th October

This took the form of  Concert held at the Priory Church in Worksop and featured Consort Nouvo.  They consisted of six young men and two young ladies and sang an evening of Choral Greats  'From Bach to Bacharach'.  The concert was attended by over 300 Rotarians, friends and guests.  A very difference charter and a great success.  Congraulations to President Mary Mitchell and her committee

Visit to Rotary Club of Chesterfield Scarsdale Thursday 27th October

With two minders, Rtn Martin Cruttenden and Rtn David Udall.  After saying grace 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' was played to me.  Visiting Chesterfield Scarsdale is even nearer than going to my own club.

Wollaton Park Charter Wednesday 26th October

Lorraine and I enjoyed an excellent charter held at The Nottingham Belfry Hotel hosted by President Norma.  It was good to see her joined by her family for the evening.  The entertainment prior to speeches by Lily Taylor-Ward and Sam Barson was most enjoyable.

Drinks Party at home for all Conference steward, Tuesday 25th October

Conference Stewards and partners who helped at Conference were invited for drinks and supper to say thank you for the support they had given over the weekend.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Burton upon Trent Monday 24th October

Driven by Rtn Norman Lord I went to the Pirelli Stadium for the Club meeting at lunchtime. We were welcomed by President Peter Barnett and the members.

District 1130(London) Conference Eastbourne 21st to 23rd October

This conference was headed by District Governor Trevor Johnson who with his wife Christine was a guest at 1220 conference a few weeks ago.  Their theme was 'A Magic Conference'.  Trevor is a little shorter in height than the average rotarian and all weekend this was being highlighted.  The photo shows Trevor's dwarfs.
We were hosted by Rtn Tom Hunt who is a past member of the Rotary Club of Bretby.

Joint visit to Rotary Clubs of Matlock and Wirksworth Thursday 20th October

Held on Wirksworth's club meeting night but at the Matlock Club venue it was quite different giving a presentation to some of my own members.  The meeting was chaired by President Eric McCarrison and at the end of the meeting the Conference Golf Trophy was presented once again to the organiser and winner Rtn Roger Hardy.

Lorraine and I left immediately after the meeting for the journey (through the night) to Eastbourne to attend the District 1130 Conference which commenced on Friday morning.

Visit to Rotary Club of Sherwood Forest Wednesday 19th October

Lorraine and I followed sat nav instructions for the South Forest Leisure Centre and ended up at the local dog kennels. President Sue had invited partners and friends to the meeting.  It was nice to give my presentation to non Rotarians as well. A superb carvery was laid on.

Visit to Rotary Club of Etwall and Hilton Tuesday 18th October

This time my driver was Rtn Keith Meikle-Janney.  President Cham inducted two new members and we were also joined by the President of the local Interact Club.

Inner Wheel District 22 Overseas Rally Tuesday 18th October

Lorraine and I were guests of Inner Wheel for the Overseas Rally.  District 1220  International Co-ordinator Gail Ashley was also invited.

Visit to Rotary Club of Long Eaton Monday 17th October

I was accompanied by Joint President Mike Tomlinson to this meeting which was held in the very nice surroundings of Cleve Lodge.

Wirksworth Ladies Coffee Morning Saturday 15th October

This was held at the home of Joint President Mike Tomlinson and Dianne and was well attended.  It was nice to sit and do nothing, just socialise.

Hucknall Charter Friday 14th October

Lorraine and I attended the Hucknall Charter at The Hostess Restaurant. It brought back memories for me because PDG Brian Darlinson  from the Hucknall Club was my District Governor when I was President of the Wirksworth Club.
President Richard and Dianne really enjoyed the evening