Speaker from Riding for the Disabled - at the College

The 'Rotary' week started on Monday evening when we had meeting of club council. We had a lively discussion on a few bits and some of that will flow into next Business meeting. 

Another good turnout for our meeting on Thursday. We were pleased to welcome as Guests Des (a friend of Michelle), Janet and Mike Littlewood, (members of Rivermead making a visit to us) and our guest speaker, Karen from Barrow Farm. 

Sect John opened the meeting with Grace and also reported apologies in lieu of Jane. There were not many announcements. Sadly I had to report that the race night planned for 24 Oct has been cancelled due to lack of support; this of course is the 3rd time we have had to cancel this event despite members at a business meeting deciding that it was the most popular and wanted evening fundraising event - so much for democracy! Bill and his committee have worked hard to get this going and I am sure it is frustrating then to see it cancelled. Michelle reminded all that she still has tickets for the Quadrant night and I repeated the call for models for the night; it is a little embarrassing that as the club with the largest number of lady members we are unable currently to put forward even 1. 

Kathryn pointed out that Billericay club are holding a 'soapbox derby' during May bank holiday next year and suggested we might try to get a team entered. Having looked at the website, it is on Monday 2 May; teams must be 4 strong, with 1 as driver; entry is £50 plus requirement to raise sponsorship. So do we have any 'Engineers' who are up for building a soapbox and then do we have a frustrated Lewis Hamilton ready to take the 'wheel'? If we want to take part, we will need to get organised so if anyone is keen please let me know. We are trying to establish the whereabouts of the club tabbards so if you have any at home could you please let me know, or bring it along to a meeting so that we can keep them in one place and know where they are.

After the comfort break, Karen from Barrow Farm (Riding for Disabled) gave us an interesting talk about the work they do for (mainly) young, very disabled people. As always with such projects it is difficult to see and hear about the work without feeling a range of emotions. After some lively questions Bryan gave vote of thanks and hopefully everyone was left satisfied that this is our main charity for the year. Karen did say to me that she was confident she could get people to support some of our fundraising events so we need to make sure we call upon them for that. 

The raffle prize for this week was a chocolate Santa as we felt it was time for people to start getting in the Xmas spirit (not!). Thanks to the 'elves' for donating the prize and congratulations to our visitor Des who said she probably wouldn't wait until Christmas to eat it. 

Sect John raised various fines - largely it seemed from Malcolm. 

Next week is a Business meeting so hope to see plenty of people there; as it is business meeting please remember donations for Food Bank; below is a list of the particular wants at this time.

FOOD 

UHT Milk (Green and Blue) Tea bags (40 and 60 0nly) Tinned Plum Tomatoes Sponge Puddings Tinned spaghetti Instant Mash Tinned Rice Sugar Jam 

NON FOOD ITEMS 

Toilet Rolls Baby Formula Men's shaving gel Washing up liquid Nappies (all sizes) Men's & Ladies toiletries Shampoo and conditioner Men's & Ladies shower gel Washing Powder (tabs or capsules)