Speaker - World Challenge to Cambodia - at the College

We had a pretty good attendance on Thursday for our first week back at the college. In addition to our guest speaker I was pleased to welcome James and a friend of Michelle's, Sue. I thought the food was well up to the standard we have got used to. 

Peter said Grace and we had a number of announcements:

• I reminded all about the Chelmsford club Jazz night on Fri 16 Oct; Bill is going and will welcome any wishing to join him. 
• Dr John mentioned the forthcoming Young Musicians contest and asked if anyone knew of a young person who we might sponsor and support; any suggestions to John please. 
• David gave final call for anyone wishing to join the BBC trip; please contact David asap if not already logged. 
• David then pointed out that we have lost our newly purchased club screen; the last time we think it was used was at Miami for the meeting when we had Colchester speaking about the Jamie Oliver food scheme. If anyone can shed any light on this please let David know. 
• Bill circulated sign-up sheets for the Race/Casino night and the Rose & Crown leaflet drop; if you haven''t yet signed up please do so via BIll. 
• I reported that tickets are now available from Michelle for the Quadrant evening and also that more models are still required; we need to put forward at least 3 ladies (although I understand other clubs have filled the gents places, I am sure more would be welcome) so if you can assist please let me know - by 12 Oct. The event is usually a good evening and I understand that the models usually have some fun. 
• Finally, Roger reported on the work that he, Malcolm and I are doing on the Mildmay computer project; he also circulated some really good information about success stories emanating from the scheme. If anyone didn't see such info and would like to, please let me know and I can forward it. 

Our guest speaker was Oliver MacMartin. Four years ago whilst a 16 year old student at Chelmer Valley, he, and a number of others from the school embarked on a 'world Challenge'. This involved firstly raising some £1000s in sponsorship, attending preparation events and then going to Thailand and Cambodia where, amongst other things they constructed a playground at an orphanage. 

Oliver gave us an interesting and confident talk about his time on the project, showed a good selection of photos and commented on how the experience has benefited him subsequently. Apparently our club had supplied some sponsorship for him and he was 'paying his dues' by speaking for us. I found it heartening to see young people putting themselves out for others less fortunate and seeing how it, in turn, helps them. 

Dr John gave a well deserved vote of thanks; Bill levied fines; and Jane took home the raffle prize. 

On Wednesday this week, I attended my first meeting (this year) of the Chelmsford Joint Presidents. There was nothing that immediately needs feeding back to members but I will be reporting to club council on 12 Oct.