President's Blog October & November 2017

Wow that’s another two months gone – where does the time go?

We started October with a “Who am I” member’s evening organised by David & Vicky. We were all asked in advance to answer 20 questions about ourselves and then, on the night, had to identify members from their answers – some were a lot more tricky than others, I guess it depends how well you know people.

The main focus for committees in October was the final preparations for the Visually Impaired supper, but at the beginning of the meeting we had a special visitor: the lovely puppy dog Ollie from Canine Partners. Accompanied by his puppy parents & trainer, Ollie demonstrated how he is learning basic obedience and social skills, and core tasks such as touching, tugging & retrieving. Past President Julia presented to Canine Partners a cheque for the proceeds raised from our Fun Dog Show in September.

On 16^th October we hosted our annual supper for the Visually Impaired Club, held in the Park Club.  This year we served Chicken & Mushroom Pie or Beef stew followed by Cheesecake or Jam Sponge – there were lots of empty plates so hopefully everyone enjoyed it.  This year the entertainment was provided by “The Singalongs” and we all enjoyed a good sing song.

On 21^st October President Andrew attended the District Conference at Wells Cathedral School – this was a new format for 2017 with 4 different hosts (one for each session). The speakers included: Atlantic rower Sally Kettle, CEO of Khalsa Aid Ravi Singh, and Dr Phil Hammond talking about his life.  The one day for all seemed to be popular and included plenty of coffee breaks and a buffet lunch.

Also on 21^st it was Trowbridge Carnival, which kept President Elect Andy busy as he walked the route with a collecting bucket and presented the trophies in his role as Carnival President.

23^rd October saw another member’s evening, this time organised by Trev & Liz; this followed one of our favourite activities – eating!!! We were all invited to Trev & Bryony’s home in Corsham for an evening of homemade food (and what a selection) followed by one of Trev’s music quizzes – number one music fan award goes to Laura who certainly knows her stuff!

During the last week of the month we were busy delivering boxes of poppies to businesses around the town, ahead of the launch of the 2017 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal – thanks to Julia for coordinating this.

October was then rounded off by our Business Meeting at the Lamb.

We started November helping Chippenham Rotary Club with their annual fireworks display in Monkton Park on 4^th, at our usual spot running St Mary St gate.  As always the fireworks were brilliant and after tidying up the park it was back to Rotary Hall for a warming supper.

The first of November’s member evenings, on 6^th, was organised by Julia & Veronyca and was based around events which took place on member’s dates of birth.  This proved to be quite enlightening: we realised that songs stayed at the top of the charts for much longer in the 60’s as it was the same song for both Mark & Caroline’s birthdays despite being two months apart.  Veronyca was less than impressed to learn that she shared a birthday with Donald Trump!

On 12^th November President Andrew represented the club at the town’s Remembrance Service and laid a wreath at the war memorial as part of the service.  Around this time, we also collected the mainly empty boxes of poppies and full collecting tins for the Royal British Legion, contributing towards the £38,000+ raised in Trowbridge.

At November’s committee night we started looking ahead to events coming up in 2018 including the Big Breakfast on 18^th February, and our President’s Night on 23^rd June which will take the form of a Midsummers Cruise on the Kennet & Avon, so make sure you get those dates in your diaries.    

On 14^th November we played our first skittles game of the season, against our friends from Chippenham Rotary. It was a close game, we only beat them by 38 pins!  This means we go through to round 2 and next play against Bathavon Rotary at Tuckers Grave in early December.

Our November business meeting was also our SGM where we elect the club’s officers for 2018/2019.  Andy will become President, with Ian becoming President Elect and both Ann & Liz to continue in their roles as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.