President's Newsletter

Presidents Newsletter - November 2015

My six week absence from Rotary meetings due to visiting family in Australia meant I was a bit rusty regarding procedures on my return. I very much appreciate the assistance given by Rotarian Tony Powell and others in helping me back into the swing of things.  Thanks also to Rotarians who stood in at short notice to chair the Wednesday meetings as well as the Council Meeting I missed.  A short trip to Europe to ski (and purchase wine) will mean an absence of two weeks at the end of January 2016. 

We welcomed Mike Briggs as a new member on 4th November and hope to induct two more new members before the end of 2015.  Membership numbers are vitally important and the relaxation of the strict attendance rules has made it easier to encourage people to join.

It has been accepted finally by Rotary GB&I that our District 1270 will join with District 1040 in June next year; this is due to some clubs leaving District 1270 giving rise to the probability that there will be less than the required 1300 members in District 1270. A “cluster” meeting is to be held on 12th January 2016.

The Rotary Christmas Lunch with the ladies will be held on 9th December at the Humber Royal and while no speaker has been arranged it is expected that there will be a good attendance.

The Axle Ladies have held three coffee mornings; thanks to Anne Shepherd and Margaret Furness for hosting September and October. The November meeting was hosted by Di.  The next event on their calendar is the Christmas Lunch to be held on 16th December at Roosters, Hall Farm, Ashby cum Fenby.  27 ladies have signed up to attend to date.  

This year’s Carol Service will be held on 17th December at North Thoresby parish church.  To get to the church, turn left at McColls and drive/walk about 300m down Church Lane.  However, the vicar, Bob Emm, who will lead the service has requested that attendees park in the village square as there is limited parking at the church.  Mulled wine and mince pies will be served after the service.

The Walking Weekend in April (24 -26th) will be held near Sandringham in Norfolk.  Roger Cropp has circulated the information regarding the accommodation at the Best Western Knight’s Hill Hotel. It is hoped that aguided tour around Sandringham will be available as well.  Some members will be staying in caravans/tents at the nearby Caravan and Camping Club site which is only three miles from the hotel. 

Gordon Bulter