Visit to the Rotary Club of Mapperley Wednesday 27th July

President Bill made me and my driver Peter very welcome.  Bill had spent his working life in the food trade and so we had a great deal in common.  During my presentation some of the members had very strong views on certain Rotary matters, which they shared with me. These were discussed both during and after the meeting.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Hucknall Tuesday 26th July

This was my most challenging visit so far as there are two Past District Governors in the Club, but President Richard kept them under control: although he couldn't keep them out of the picture.  Here I am in a PDG sandwich.

Visit to Rotary Club of Derby Monday 25th July

The Derby Club met a different pavilion at the Derbyshire Cricket Ground this week because there was a match on.  The new room overlooked the pitch but fortunately when it came the time for me to give my presentation it was the cricketers lunch break so there was no distraction (thank goodness)

Classic Car Show at Ashover Showground on Sunday 24th July

An excellent event organised by the Rotary Clubs of Chesterfield, Chesterfield Scarsdale, Clay Cross and Matlock.  A good example of success when four clubs work together.  The weather was perfect.  The four Inner Wheel Clubs also played their part by each having a stall.

As you will see, even Assistant Governors can stop the traffic (with a smile)

Visit to the Rotary Club of Clay Cross Thursday 21st July

As you can see from the photo we have a 'saucy' meeting and President Andrew was telling me how the club and members of Inner Wheel were using the sauce to fund  the Bill Gates Challenge.  The club is now looking forward to the Classic Car Show at Ashover on Sunday 24th July which they are organising in conjunction with other clubs.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Bulwell and Basford

On Wednesday lunch 20th July Lorraine and I visited Bulwell and Basford and would you believe we once again had steak pie.  I am beginning to feel a bit like Desperate Dan with all this cow pie.  During the meeting Past President Bill Smith presented a cheque for £1000 to the Marie Curie charity which emphasises their support for the local community. Photo is of President Malcolm and me next the newly refurbished flag stand.

Informal visit to Rotary Club of Ripley

Home from Inner Wheel Induction at 5.15pm. - off again at 5.45 to the Rotary Club of Ripley to receive a cheque from President Owen Briggs for my charity 'British Heart Foundation'. I had also arranged a presentation for Rtn. George Cole who is 99 years old and has been a Rotarian for 60 years.  I presented him with a Certificate and a personal letter of thanks from RI President Kalyan Banerjee.

Induction of Inner Wheel District 22 Chairman Sue Curley

On Tuesday lunchtime 19th July I was accompanied by two Rotarians but surrounded by 224 Inner Wheel members for the induction of District Chairman Sue.  Lunch was enjoyable followed by a speaker from Arthritis Research.  At the induction I presented Sue with a bouquet of flowers from District 1220.  Sue and Lorraine are both members of the Inner Wheel Club of Alfreton

Visit to Rotary Clubs of Heanor and Ilkeston Monday 18th July

The first joint meeting I have been to so far in Heanor's new venue, Horsley Lodge Golf Club.

The next Garden, Sunday Afternoon 17th July

This garden party was organised by the Rotary Club of Amber Valley on a wet afternoon.  The company and cakes were great and you can see President Alan enjoying them. Some were even made to look like the Rotary badge.

A weekend in the garden (but not mine)

The weekend started Friday evening with a visit to the Garden Extravaganza organised by the Rotary Club of Bakewell.  President Kathryn made me and my guests very welcome as you can see. The President and past President then tried to take Assistant Governor John and me for a ride.

Classic Car Show at Ashover Showground on Sunday 24th July

At Chesterfield's meeting last Friday, one of the visitors brought a classic car that will be on display at the Classic Car show that has being organised by four clubs in the District working together.  The District Governor tried to hijack the car but was persuaded by Rotarian Stuart Bradley, one of the main organisers, that this would not create a good Rotary image. It sounds like a good day, why not go along and join in.

Visit to Rotary Club of Chesterfield 15th July 2011

At the Club visit it was my privilege to present Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Rotarian John Hare and Rotarian Stuart Bradley.  Both have given tremendous service to the Club over the years and are well deserved.

Visit to Rotary Club of Swadlincote 14th July 2011

A long way from Darley Dale but their new venue at Lakeside, Moira is really lovely.
We sat on the balcony having a drink before the meeting and took in the beautiful view.
It was only spoiled when all the Rotarians stood in front of it to have their photo taken.

Meal was steak pie (second one in two days)

Informal visit to Rotary Club of Hope Valley 13th July 2011

A nice change to informally visit a club with Lorraine and say and do nothing, but I did get fined by the Sergeant  at Arms for wearing a tie with a short sleeved shirt. Excellent steak pie.  Best yet.

Who remembers the 'Rotary Diamond'?

In 2000 District 1220 presented the last Duke and Duchess of Devonshire with a stainless steel diamond to mark their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  It was placed in the Kitchen Garden in the grounds of Chatsworth.

Having a day off this week I called to give it a polish!

Visit to Rotary Club of Rhos on Sea District 1180, 7th July 2011

The RIBI President Ray Burman was visiting District 1180 to visit the Eisteddfod and my good friend and fellow DG John McDowell invited Lorraine and I to visit the club as part of their meeting was to acknowledge that the Rotary Club of Conwy Valley had filled 1000 Aquaboxes.  I presented a certificate to Rotarian Kath Roberts who was Club President in 2000/2001 when they set themselves the target of 1000 boxes.

Photos are of presentation to Kath, Lorraine in a District Governor sandwich, and 'the chain gang' consisting of Rhos Club President Chip Wood, DG John McDowell, RIBI President Ray Burman and me

Visit to Rotary Club of Bingham 7th July 2011

Met with President Robert, a fellow 'scouser' so did not need anyone to translate. This was only my second club visit and I've had sausages on both occasions.  Robert was pleased to receive the theme banner

Quote of the week

At the Chesterfield Club Assembly in June it was reported that the final toast was ' ROTARY AND TOMATO KETCHUP THE WORLD OVER'

Installation of new President at Newark Castle 5th July 2011

This was both the installation of the President Ken Sutton and my first official club visit. Lorraine and I were made very welcome. As it was my first talk as District Governor I thought of taking my L plates. There was a good response from the members at the end of the talk.

Alfreton Club Changeover 4th July 2011

I have always attended the Alfreton changeover because of close links with the club. This time it was quite different, being invited as their District Governor but not sitting on the top table.
Photo is Rotary President Terry, Inner Wheel President Jean, Inner Wheel District Chairman Sue and me.

Strawberry Tea on 3rd July 2011

Starwberry Tea at the home of President Chris Elston, President of the Rotary Club of Castle Donington

Songs of Praise 3rd July 2011

Songs of Praise at Marehay Methodist Church organised by the Rotary Club of Ripley and led by President Owen Briggs in his usual relaxed manner. We may not increase their congregation for future weeks but we did raise the roof

District Governor Gordon with Inner Wheel District Chairman Sue

District Handover, Inner Wheel D/Chairman Sue and with Lorraine

District Handover 1st July 2011

The moment of truth

District Handvover

1st July 2011

First job is to open the greetings cards that have been arriving during the past new days