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.