Rotary Club of Cober Valley Helston

Wed Nov 9th 2011

  

President Steve welcomed club members and Rtn Colin Benney

Tom was wished Happy Birthday in his absence

Thought for the day – Carol L

 A remembrance day poem – Goodbye Young Soldier by Sgt John Norbury Jan 2010.

We said goodbye tonight
To a soldier whom I did not know
He did his duty well
But sadly he had to go

He did not travel this far
To leave behind family & friend
He came to do his duty.
He did not know it would be his end

His short life was just that
A soldier's ultimate commitment he gave
This earth deserved him longer
He went too early to his grave

He is one of many heroes
Another poor young soldier
For he is not alone
No years left in which to grow older

What comfort lies for those he left
Never again to be by their side
A gallery of happy memories
And deservedly this Nation's pride

So farewell young soldier
Whilst here you did just right
I hope your life was not a waste
Farewell young soldier, sleep tight.

The British Legion, like Rotary is 90 years old and Carol's thought for the day is to share with us a quote from Annie Binding – It is the Poppy Appeal's mission to secure the gift of money – but without the gift of time we simply cannot reach our goals! District 1290 has done exactly that, they have promised us the gift of time.   

We are lucky, unlike the young soldier in the poem, we have that precious gift of time to make a difference, let's use it wisely. 

Rotary Business

• Bikes for Africa, Becky mentioned there are still bikes at Shelterbox but with no donations, she could deliver these to Bath next week if we have the funds to go with them.  George confirmed we had funds to go with these and Becky agreed to transport any that could be delivered to SB by Tuesday morning.  George later told us about funds that Rob John had managed to secure from his past employers.  Rob had initiated a cycle collection at their premises in Cambridge and as well as a few bikes and £60 from work mate.  The company had made a donation of £500 with a further £500 to follow.  This meant we had a good amount ring fenced
• Becky also asked for permission to request a stand in the name of CVH at the Rotary International Convention in Bangkok next year, this would allow SB to be represented at the conference.  Permission was granted.

Speaker

• Colin told the club about New Generations ( previously known as Youth Opportunities).  There are several competitions which are designed to help with developing skills.  Rotary clubs can get involved with any of these in their area.  Colin mentioned these – Young Musician, Young Chef, Young Writer, Young Photographer, Young Citizen, Youth Speaks (which CVH are going to organise in the Primary Schools).  He also mentioned Youth Exchange and the lack of a District Organiser for this in 1290.  If anyone is interested Colin can provide further details and it is hoped there will be a Road Show to promote it in this area soon.   RYLA was also mentioned and again CVH are already involved with this.  Colin went on to explain the differing age group initiatives for getting eth Rotary message out to schools and young adults.  Beginning with Rotakids moving through Interact, Roteract & then on to Rotary Clubs.   It was thought that following our first venture in to Youth Speaks we might then consider looking at helping to establish a Rotakids group. 

The Olympic torch will be passing through Helston on May 19^th and was a possible opportunity for Rotary promotion.  There is to be a presentation at the District Conference next March and it is hoped that schools will be involved.

Steve thanked Colin for coming along to educate us and reminded him that he would be a welcome visitor anytime. 

AOB

·          Sue passed round a draft calendar for the club and asked members to let her know if anything was missing or incorrect.  Carol K suggested that perhaps May 19^th would make a good date for Presidents Night given that many people would be around for the passing through of the torch.  Wendy expressed concerns as to whether that would mean people would be too busy elsewhere.  This was left for further discussion.

·         Children's Centre, Sue had been in touch with April to see if they had managed to arrange for the picnic bench and to ask if there was anything else the club can help with.  Sue will let members know when she receives an answer.

·         Poldark Mine – BF Adventure Party, Thursday Dec 8^th – volunteers are Bryn, Steve, Carol L, Paul, John H, Glenda, Annie & Rob.  

·         Radio Controlled boats idea – John H & Carl K expressed an interest in forming a planning group – more members needed.  Steve suggested this was discussed again in more detail next week. 

·         St Ives Bay Rotary Club has issued invitations to all members to attend their Charter Night – Feb 4^th 2012.  Several members expressed an interest, all should confirm attendance direct to St Ives Bay as per invite.

·         Sue mentioned she had transferred John Hobbs from Falmouth to CVH so he was now a member of our club.

·         Poppy Collections – Barbara had organised all the volunteers and the collections were now ready for Jo to take back to Ian who would pass them over to Rachael from British Legion. 

Rotary Toast

'New Generations''