Visit to the Rotary Club of West Ashfield Tuesday 27th September

Second club visit of the day, in between trying to pack a carrier bag for me and two cases for Lorraine to take to Scarborough tomorrow for Conference.
A number of members were absent because they had gone to the Derby match, it seems they only managed a draw.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Ashbourne Tuesday 27th September

The club was expecting a visit from Ken and Heather Gillings who were on a Friendship Exchange from South Africa, so Lorraine joined me at the meeting to keep Heather company.  Ken is from the Rotary Club of Westville, South Africa, District 9270 and they have both enjoyed their stay with our District very much.

President Michael Avery asked me to induct a new member Tony Hubbard whose classification is Local Gvernment.  It was a very busy meeting but finished on time.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Retford Monday 26th September

Another long journey for Lorraine and me to Retford but a very good evening with a good turn out of members and alot of enthusiasm.  The club, as always, is giving tremendous support to Conference which is now just a few days away.

Southwell Charter Thursday 22nd September

Accompanied by Rtn.Mike Tomlinson we made an early start for Southwell Charter.  The guest speaker was Mark Spencer MP, a young member of Parliament who had lots of refreshing ideas for political change.
Enjoyed their 'famous' roast beef.

District Council Meeting at Hucknall Wednesday 21st September

A good turn out from clubs for the first meeting at the John Godber Centre in Hucknall.  The venue proved very satisfactory and more cost effective than Mansfield Civic Centre.  One or two members found it difficult to locate, but all were satisfied with the new venue

Bretby Charter Night Monday 19th September

This was held in the nice surroundings of the Branston Golf and Country Club and was hosted by President Andrew Phillips.  After the short speeches we were entertained by the young people from Burton College.

DGN Peter Moralee was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship and was speechless (this must be a first).

Working for Aquabox Sunday 18th September

Just for a change taking the DG hat off, and putting on the Aquabox Hat,  Lorraine and I attended the morning Service at St Edmunds Church, Allestree where I was invited to talk about Aquabox which is one of their chosen charities.

Dinner Party at home Saturday 17th September

 Whilst visiting the Bakewell Rotary Club Garden Extravaganza Lorraine offered a Dinner Party as a Auction lot  to be held at our home (with the District Governor acting a waiter).  This was bought jointly by four Bakewell Rotarians and their wives.  It was a very pleasant evening with lots of washing up.

Amber Valley Charter Night Friday 16th September

This was held at The Boundary and was well attended by members and guests.  President Alan provided the top table with hard hats as alterations to the site has just been completed. Alan's wife Clair gave each visitor a home made chocolate in a special box. The evening concluded with comedian Tony Wallace.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Warsop, Shirebrook & District, Thursday 15th September

Returned to the Hostess Restaurant where it all started for me on 1st July.  President Andre did not arrive as expected and club members wondered where he was.  He had just returned the previous day from a weekend in Malta attending his daughters wedding.  Members rang his mobile and assured them he was there but the car had actually broken down in the entrance to the Hostess. Lorraine and I shared an evening of fun with the members and enjoyed a very good meal (as is normal for the Hostess).

Visit to Wollaton Park and Nottingham Clubs Wednesday 14th September

I am grateful to Presidents Norma and James for agreeing to have a joint visit.  It certainly helped me and the evening enabled both clubs to share in some Rotary Fellowship.  Wollaton Park Golf Club is a very pleasant venue and Lorraine and I were made most welcome by members of both clubs.  One member of Wollaton Park thought I was the President of the Nottingham Club and not the DG.

Visit to John Godber Centre,Hucknall Wednesday 14th September

Lorraine and I met up with Pauline to finalise arrangements for the first Council meeting there on 21st September.  A few issues to sort out following a change of staff at the Centre.  Went for a coffee in town at a more upmarket venue that my last trip there with Pauline.

District Exec Meeting Tuesday 13th September

Almost a full attendance from the Exec for this our first meeting. Meeting ran on longer than anticipated because some of us talk too much.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Sutton in Ashfield Monday 12th September

Went to Sutton in Ashfield with Driver Rtn. Norman Lord.  Congratulations to John Kirkland and the club on an excellent RIBI Golf Day and from the Archives I managed to find a photo of the first event 25 years ago which I put on the screen for all members to see.  President Terry Fensome is now looking forward to attending Conference and then his Club Charter a few days later.

Weekend off

Went to Anglesey on Thursday for a few days and ended up doing the cooking.

Called in Llandudno on Saturday morning, and bumped into Owen Briggs(Ripley) and Tony Storer(Amber Valley).  After chatting to them walked about ten yards and bumped into our neighbours!

Visit to the Rotary Club of Eckington Wednesday 7th September

I went to the Eckington Club with Lorraine and AG John Shipman, it all helps to increase the numbers as they are a small club with only 10 members. Despite losing a couple of members recently they are still determined to re-build the club and give Rotary Service and as you will see from the photo, President Rosalind is still smiling.

Food was superb with a good choice of menu.(Still not put on any weight)

Visit to the Rotary Club of Eckington 7th September

Visit to the Rotary Club of Kirkby in Ashfield Tuesday 6th September

Club visits are more of a challenge when a PDG is present but to have a PDG and a Past RIBI President is really challenging!.  At their club meeting both Roger Pursey and Past RIBI President Jim Moulson and two presidents were there to welcome me.

Rotary Club of Alfreton Charter Monday 5th September

The District Charter season started today with the Alfreton Charter.  Always good value for money and good evening of fellowship.  The speaker was talking on Wildlife and had two owls on display, one of them pooping nicely on the lectern.

RIBI Golf Competition Monday 5th September

This annual event is organised by the Rotary Club of Sutton in Ashfield at Hollingwell.  A very well organised event with the winning team receiving £3000 for their Charity Account.  One of my fellow District Governors, Trevor Johnson was in his District Team and he did manage to win one of the individual prizes.  PDG John Kirkland and his team work hard to ensure the day is a success.

District Outdoor Bowls Competition Sunday 4th September

Well supported by many clubs in the District including my own club Wirksworth.  However I did tell our team (of which I was a member) that we should not win as it would be unfair for the DG to present the trophy to himself!  They took me too seriously and we came last.  The winning team was Hucknall who kindly hosted the event and in the photo you will see them with me and Mike Storr who organised the event.

In the other photo I think we had a visit from a ghost or was it a member of Sherwood Sunrisers? Your guess!

Chatsworth Country Fair Saturday 3rd September

The Matlock Club always has a stall at the Country Fair where they con the public to throw six dice in the hope of getting six sixes.  Can't remember anyone ever winning but its all good fun and good for PR and the Charity Account.

Conference Meeting Thursday 1st September

Meeting at the home of PDG David Curtis to discuss Conference with the team.  Numbers are looking good and plans are almost complete as you can see from the relaxed look of Conference Director Davids's face.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Stapleford and Sandiacre 25th August

Second club visit of the day.  This time to Stapleford and Sandiacre, one of the smallest clubs in the District.  President Paul apologised that two members were not present a he wanted to have a 100% attendance for my visit.  Although smaller, every one of the members is active and in this their 50th Anniversary Year they want to start rebuilding the club.

Visit to Rotary Club of Derby Daybreak 25th August

A nice early start with Rotarian Norman Laud.  The Derby Daybreak Club meet at the Roundhouse in Derby, a wonderful building with such character and history.  President Steve and the members are very enthusiastic about  increasing membership.