District Governor's visit

Wed, Aug 10th 2016 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm


Visit of District Governor Malcolm Baldwin to the Rotary Club of Furness
Malcolm brought us greetings from Rotary GB&I District 1190 and from his own Club, the Rotary Club of Accrington.
He talked about his trip to San Diego, California, a special District Governors Training Course and was given a Rotary Jacket (nice check) with a tale of mix up over sizes between American and UK measurements and an eventually  satisfactory conclusion. He attended sessions on Presentation and Motivation.
Back in the UK, his first job as Governor was to peruse the Club Assembly forms and was amazed at all the projects that Clubs undertook annually.
Malcolm stressed  that District was available to help Clubs on projects, with advice and support. He also said that Rotary in general, and Clubs, should promote Rotary itself to the community as much as possible. Examples of the lack of public knowledge of Rotary were given. District can help with banners etc and that Past District Governor Arthur Jones of the Carnforth Club  could help.
Membership was Malcolm’s next subject, where he said that he thought the way forward was the formation of different sorts of Clubs. He cited the Interact Club local to Accrington had formed an online Roteract Club after leaving school, for members to keep in touch after they had left school and plan projects.
He also said that a guest at his own Club didn’t like the meetings set-up, so was encouraged to form a Satellite Club. This has started with six members already.
Malcolm then talked about Rotary Foundation, with its humanitarian projects throughout the world. Contributions to the District Fund had fallen but gave the Furness Club grateful thanks for their generous contribution. 2017 is the Centenary  of the formation of Rotary Foundation and there is an event planned at Blackburn Cathedral on 24th June 2017 on behalf of District 1190. Material for use by Clubs for Centenary Year is available at District.
Polio Plus was Malcolm’s next subject and he talked about it’s global importance. Ther have been 19 cases of polio world wide so far this year and hopefully these will be the last. However, to cover the next three years, and to declare the world polio free, $1.5 billionis needed. He said that two celebrities are promoting Polio Plus, Connie Hook and Donovan.
240,00 crocus corms have been ordered by District and he recommended a plaque at each planting site explaining the promotion of Polio Plus.
Finally Malcolm promoted the District, National and International Conferences at Southport, Manchester and Atlanta in the USA.
His favoured charity for the year is Blood Bikers and was pleased that they are giving a talk to the Furness Club on 21st September.
Lastly he encouraged us all to have fun and enjoy Rotary.
A warm Vote of Thanks was given by our President Mike Hoad and all responded with enthusiasm.

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