Concert Saturday 30th June

The last function as District Governor for District 1220 was to attend c concert at St Wilfred's Church, Kirkby in Ashfield organised by the Rotary Club of Kirkby in Ashfield.  It was to celebrate the lives of three Rotarians who have passed to higher service during the past year.  Entertainment was by 'The Singers' and 'The Gentlemen' as was a very nice ending to this Rotary Year.

Olympic Torch Friday 29th June

Just for a change and nothing to do with Rotary but I played a small part in the Olympic Torch event in Darley Dale.

Rotary Club of Wirksworth Handover Thursday 28th June

A very busy evening for the club and their visitors.  There was a presentation to Arnold Crosby's two daughters, Pam and Gill.  This took the form  of a collage of photos of the house in India named after Arnold.  The new President John Dolan was inducted and then he gave the two past presidents each a Paul Harris Fellowship.  As well as all this, Ian Bell was inducted as a new member.

Rotary Club of Ravenshead Charter Wednesday 27th June

Sadly this was the last Charter of this Rotary year, held at The Hostess Restaurant.  The food as always was good and we were entertained with some 'belly dancing' with President Mark's wife being part of the troupe.  The event was well attended by Mark's Family.  I presented Mark with the new Charter for the Rotary Club of Ravenshead and Blidworth.

Fish and Chip Lunch Wednesday 27th June

This was the Inner Wheel Club of Alfreton Overseas Lunch held at the home of Kay and Paul Ramsbottom.

Thankfully the weather was kind as lunch was served in the garden.

Courage Awards Monday 25th June

This was held at Worksop Town Hall and organised jointly by the Rotary Clubs of Worksop, Worksop Dukeries and Retford.  A pleasant lunch followed by the presentation of the Awards to some very worthy and deserving young people.

Rotary/Inner Wheel Thanksgiving Service Sunday 24th June

This was the end of year Thanksgiving Service held at Dale Road Methodist Church, Darley Dale.  The service was taken by Rev. Mike Redshaw and Rev. Alison Redshaw.  Rtn. John Berrington played the organ and the Inner Wheel Choir sand during the service.  After the service afternoon tea was served in the Church Hall by Lorraine and friends.  The collection of over £300 has been sent to the British Heart Foundation.

Later in the evening Lorraine and I hosted a small group for evening meal.

Rotary Club of Bakewell BBQ Friday 22nd June

Held at Carsington Water Sailing Club on a cold and windy evening.  The members managed to BBQ out side but we all ate indoors.  The evening concluded with a very successful charity auction.

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

With just a couple of weeks to go I thought I would try and fit in a few more informal club visits.  After an enjoyable meal I left before the business meeting.

Visit to the Rotary Club of West Bridgford Wednesday 20th June

An informal visit to the Club.  This was a games evening and it was full of fun and fellowship.

Rotary Club of Hope Valley Charter Tuesday 19th June

Held in the very pleasant surroundings of Hassop Hall the event was well supported by many clubs in the District.  The main speaker was Assistant Governor Roger Summers.  The evening concluded with the presentation of some swards including a PHF to David Brown.

Visit to the National Memorial Arboretum Sunday 17th June

Ripley President Owen Briggs organised a trip to the Arboretum for his club and other Rotarians.  Lorraine and I joined the party (on two buses driven by Owen and Carey) to take a flag as we had heard there was not one on the flagpole at the Rotary Ridge.  However, a flag had been erected recently by District 1060 so our flag will go into stock until the other one is worn out.

AG Meeting Friday 15th June

An evening at home to say thank you to the AG's and their partners for the support they have given us this year.

District Council Meeting Thursday 14th June

Held at the Novotel, this was the last District Council Meeting of the Rotary Year.  There was a presentation  on Interact from President  Cham Kang from the Rotary Club of Etwall & Hilton.

Classic Car Show Wednesday 13th June

Another successful event organised by the Rotary Club of Chesterfield at Renishaw Hall.  Nor brilliant sunshine but dry enough to attract the crowds.  The Rotary Club of Drone Valley were there with their tombola as was the Inner Wheel Club of Chesterfield.  The car I fancied was the yellow one (photograph).

Rotary Club of Trent Bridge Charter Tuesday 12th June

A different charter held at Mr Man's Restaurant at Wollaton Park.  A change from roast beef, a nice Chinese Buffet.  President Michael welcomed his guests and the speaker was Father Malcolm, Bishop of Nottingham.

Rotary Club of Etwall & Hilton Golf Dinner Friday 8th June

Held at Trent Lock Golf Club the golf during the day  had been challenging with high winds but despite heavy rain in the area the course remained dry.  President Cham organised an extremely good evening and presented the trophies to the golf  champions.

Rotary Club of Wirksworth Club Meeting Thursday 7th June

This was the Club Assembly taken by Assistant Governor John Shipman with Senior Vice President John Dolan taking the Assembly part of the meeting.  We heard about his plans for the year ahead with a different formal for committees.

Rotary Club of Wirksworth Jubilee Party Tuesday 5th June

Joint Presidents David Hood and Mike Tomlinson held their end of year party at Alderwasley Village Hall.  Hot beef and pork sandwiches were served and it was well attended by Rotarians, family and friends.

District Exec Meeting Thursday 31st May

This was the last Exec meeting of the year and held at the Novotel.

Foundation Meeting Wednesday 30th May

The last Foundation Meeting of the year was held at The Lion in Belper with a good turn out from the team.  Much has been achieved this year including meeting the Bill Gates Challenge for Polio Eradication.

Dinner at the home of DGN Peter and Carol Moralee Saturday 26th May

A social evening together with DGE David and Gail, and incoming DGN Steve and Jan.  A relaxing and enjoyable evening.

Derbyshire Food Fair Saturday 26th May

This was held at Hardwick Hall and is always supported by Rotary Clubs.  This year both Bolsover and Drone Valley Clubs attended with their own stalls, both promoting Rotary as well as serving refreshments.

Rotary Club of Belper and Duffield Wine Tasting Evening Friday 25th May

President Martin decided not to have a Charter this year but to celebrate with a Wine Tasting evening at the Lion Hotel, Belper.  We tasted a number of wines and as you can see District Editor John Scotney took the evening very seriously.

Rotary Club of Wirksworth AGM Thursday 24th May

Attended my own club for the AGM chaired by joint President David Hood.

Rotary Club of Mapperley Charter Wednesday 23rd May

This was held at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel.  There were seven past District Governors in attendance this was a challenging evening.  President Bill really enjoyed the event, presenting the annual trophy to a club member, a Paul Harris Fellowship to another member and ended the evening by singing to the guests a song made popular by 'the Monkeys'

Inner Wheel District 22 Casino Night Friday 18th May

Held at the Derbyshire Hotel, there was a full evening of music from the Beeston Band and a Casino organised by the Lions Club.  We all had thousands of pounds to spend but it was only toy money which we lost anyway.

Visit to Aquabox by the Rotary Club of Nottingham Friday 18th May

The Nottingham Club were hosting their twin club from Denmark and arranged a visit to the Aquabox Depot.  Our Danish visitors enjoyed the experience and were given leaflets about the project as well as a full presentation.

Rotary Club of Stapleford & Sandiacre Charter Thursday 17th May

Held at the Trent Bridge Golf Club, this was the first Charter I had been to on my own as Lorraine was unwell. Photo to follow!!

Rotary Club of Bakewell Charter Wednesday 16th May

Held in the lovely surrounding of Hassop Hall, a well attended Charter with guest speaker Roy Hattersley.  President Kathryn hosted the event in her usual calm manner (although she didn't think so at the time)

Southwell Races Tuesday 15th May

Supported by over 50 of the clubs in the District, a most successful evening was held at Southwell Racecourse, raising £9,000 for Polio Eradication.  Despite hail, rain and winds during the day the evening was blessed with sunshine.

District Team Meeting Monday 14th May

This was the last District Team meeting of the year with some of the 2012/13 team joining us.

District 1260 Conference 11th-13th May

Held in Torquay the weekend that summer started.  Didn't see the sun as we were busy all weekend.  District Governor John and his wife Ann have been good friends to us this year.

Rotary Club of Castle Donington Charter Thursday 10th May

Held at the Novotel, with guest speaker Tricia Stewart, one of the original Calendar Girls.

Rotary Club of Bulwell & Basford Charter Wednesday 9th May

This was a celebration of 50 years of Rotary Service by the Club. I presented President Malcolm with the certificate from Rotary International to commemorate this special event.

District Finance Meeting Tuesday 8th May

Held at the Novotel, this was Malcolm Whitt's last meeting as District Treasurer.  Incoming District Treasurer Phil Harris attended to ensure a smooth changeover for the next Rotary Year.
I expressed the thanks of the committee for all the work he had done over the past five years.
Following this meeting there was a brief Foundation Meeting to discuss 'Future Vision' plans.

Joint Charter Friday 4th May

This was a new venture for the Rotary Club of Drone Valley and the Rotary Club of Eckington and District joining together for this Charter Celebration.  The theme was 'May the 4th be with you' linking to Starwars.

However I did not go dressed as Dark Vader.  Musical entertainment was provided by The Young Inspirations Theatre Company.

Rotary Club of Vale of Belvoir Charter Thursday 3rd May

Held at The Wellbeck Banqueting Hall in Nottingham.  President Duncan welcomed members and friends from South Africa.  He then presented three Paul Harris Fellows to members including Steve Lawes who will DG 2014/15.  The after dinner speaker was Robert Holland, a very amusing undertaker.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Sherwood Forest Wednesday 2nd May

An formal visit with Lorraine to see how President Sue was coping after her hip operation.  The speaker for the evening was from Framework, a Nottingham based charity.

General Council at Alcester 29th/30th April

Before setting off to Alcester Lorraine and  I cooked lunch for 50 church members.  Being the expert at washing up I spent most of the time at the sink and leading the dishwasher.
After the evening meal on Sunday Lorraine and I organised the entertainment which we did in the form of 'call my bluff'.

Monday was the final General Council Meeting of this Rotary year.

District Assembly Saturday 28th April

I opened the District Assembly before handing over to DGE David Ashley.  Once again there was an excellent turnout from the members of the District and I had the pleasure of taking session for new Rotarians.

Rotary Club of Bolsover Charter Wednesday 25th April

Another visit to The Hostess Restaurant for good food and good company.  We sometimes getting young people attend Charters (which is nice to see) but the youngest ever during my year has to be President Frank's grandson James who was just six months old.  Even the speeches did not put him to sleep.  The guest speaker was Geoff Miller who was very entertaining.

St George's Day Dinner Monday 23rd April

This was hosted by the Rotary Club of Bretby at Branston Golf Club with a special guest appearance of    Henry V111.  He have us a wonderful story of his life, telling tales of all his wives.  He then took questions from the peasants.  Lorraine and I were taken by Rtn Keith Meikle-Janney and his wife Jean.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Etwall and Hilton Tuesday 24th April

Another informal visit to congratulate President Cham and members on the induction 0f 10 new members during the past 10 months, with more to come over the next few weeks.  A most enjoyable evening

Visit to the Rotary Club of Leigh (Lancs) Monday 23rd April

The Club supports Aquabox so Lorraine and I joined them for lunch and I gave a presentation of the new filter system.  They are very enthusiastic about the possible use of the new filter in The Gambia but were concerned that they may not be allowed to fill boxes in the future.

Young Musician Concert Sunday 22nd April

An excellent turn out at the Assembly Rooms for this wonderful concert of young musician from across our District. This was the fifteen year and long may it continue.

Rotary Club of Long Eaton Charter Friday 20th April

This was held at Novotel, Long Eaton.  The entertainment was the singing group Cantata Ensemble.  There were visiting Rotarians from Denmark and Japan.

Visit to the Rotary Club of Chesterfield Friday 20th April

An informal visit to the Chesterfield Club for their normal lunchtime meeting.  Rtn Frank Clifford from the Bolsover Club is a regular visitor and as it was his birthday he put wine on the table.

Rotary Club of Wirksworth Charter Thursday 19th April

My own Club Charter held at Matlock Golf Club with guest speaker Joanne Ward from the British Heart Foundation.  Joanne was also a speaker at the 2011 District Conference in Scarborough.  Unfortunately because of the size of the venue some Rotarians and guests were not able to attend.

Visit to Rotary Club of Ripley Tuesday 17th April

The Ripley Club were celebrating the 100th birthday of Rtn George Lowe.  It was a normal club meeting in addition to family and visiting Rotarians.