Club Chronicle

28 May 2026: Rtn Francis Whitbread: My recent holiday in Spain

Unfortunately the person originally scheduled to speak to us today had to pull out at short notice because of illness. Our Secretary and Immediate Past President Francis Whitbread stepped in.

He spoke about the latest holiday he and his wife Jackie, and their dog Poppy, had in Spain, where they have a house.

They travelled by ferry to Santander. Driving off the ferry, they found themselves at the back of the queue of people going through immigration control. When they were eventually processed they asked the Guardia for directions to the nearest toilet. The Guardia said they could use theirs and showed them where it was. Francis became concerned when Jackie failed to return. On investigating, he realised that the Guardia squad they had spoken to had gone off duty and locked the interconnecting door! Fortunately the incoming squad soon turned up, unlocked and let Jackie out.

They spent that night in a parador and drove on to their house the following day. They woke up early each morning in order to take Poppy for a walk before it became too hot. Francis speaks very little Spanish, so was pleased when a Spanish neighbour called out “Good morning!”

The photographs Francis showed us included a number which showed his bike in front of stunning hills. They also showed the lovely scenery around.

When they arrived back at Santander to catch the ferry back Poppy started yapping. The Guardia quickly waved them to the front.

Rotary Young Musician District Final

Report by Anne Moriaty

The District Final took place in Brentwood Cathedral on Saturday 28 February in the presence of the Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Smita Rajesh, and her consort.

The audience were treated to a lovely concert with high standard performances from five vocalists and six instrumentalists. Sadly there could only be two winners going through to the Regional Final and after lengthy deliberations the accolades went to pianist Tailin Liu sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bishops Stortford and vocalist Harry Sunderland sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dunmow.

Our Chelmsford winners, Henrietta Lawrence and Chloe Mahler were worthy runners-up.

I had the honour of giving out the certificates and the Deputy Mayoress presented the winner and runner-up trophies.

Collection for Marie Curie

On 25 February 2026 President Graham, Francis Whitbread, Keith Dabbs, Anne Moriety and Steve, worked as a team at Morrisons Supermarket to collect monies on behalf of the Marie Curie charity. We collected a handsome sum, of which £80 was collected via card payment through the “SumUp” device. We enjoyed the day and special thanks to Francis who made the arrangements and remained all day throughout others’ slots. A photo opportunity could not go amiss.