General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Minutes of the Meeting

Held on Thursday, January 31st 2019

                                             At The Golf Club, Chestfield                     

Apologies for Absence:

            Dave C,           John G,            Myfanwy,        Owain,             Pete,

            Reggie,            Robert Mc,     Ron                 Sue     

Grace:

Paul

President:

As Pat had to leave early, Robert S. stepped into the breach.

David Bowley:

David is progressing well with the help of Jean M. and will shortly have his driving licence back and hopes to be at the meeting next Thursday.

Trevor Scandrett:

Hilary met Trevor recently.    He is now enjoying life as a taxi driver for Herne Cars (01227 373333) and is available for hire.

Cost of Breakfast:

Godfrey reported on a discussion with the Secretary of the Golf Club regarding the cost of breakfast.       In the past four years there have been seven freelance chefs who have not been able to make a living.    The chefs are now employed by the Golf Club that has proposed an immediate increase in cost to £9.50 for a cooked breakfast while us healthy ones stay at £6.50.  Coffee will no longer be provided downstairs before breakfast.    After a discussion it was agreed that the cost to Club members be £10.00 for a cooked breakfast and £7.00 for a light breakfast with the balance accruing in a fund to pay for guests.        The new charges will take effect from next week, February 7th.    In further discussion it was stressed that in agreeing to the increased costs it must be stressed to the Golf Club that it should respect Club bookings and not double book nor cancel at short notice as it has done in the past.    It was also suggested that the breakfast tables be arranged to suit the Club and, if necessary, replaced after the meeting by the Club.

Appeal for Offroad Wheelchair:

As reported in the minutes of the recent Board Meeting, Caroline Mumford has appealed for £4000 to purchase an offroad wheelchair for her severely disabled son, Thomas.     RC Forest of Blean have decided to contribute £1000 and RC Herne Bay will probably contribute £500; RC Whitstable has yet to decide.     Jenny has been asked to approach the Whitstable Non-Ecumenical Charity and the Board previously agreed to wait to see what that charity will do before making a decision on how much to contribute.    In discussion it was thought to be Club policy not to donate to individuals;     David M. made clear that Club policy was not to write a cheque to an individual but, if a donation is agreed by the Club, to pay the supplier or to buy the donated items ourselves.

Bingo and Raffle Night in Aid of Pilgrims’ Hospice:

Pat and Jean and a few friends recently held a Bingo and Raffle night and raised £251.00 for Pilgrims’ Hospice.

Saturday, January 26^th – Young Chef Competition:

The second Young Chef Competition took place at Orpington College on Saturday and was attended by Kathy, Owain and Robert.   There were ten competitors including Daisy and Olivia from the Club competition.    Neither Daisy nor Olivia won but the latter was commended.

Wednesday, February 6^th – International Committee:

The date of the next meeting of the International Committee has been changed to Wednesday, February 6^th and will be at Andrew B’s house as usual.

 Thursday, February 7^th – Speaker Leila from Pilgrims’ Hospice:

The speaker on next Thursday  (February 7th) will be Leila from the President’s charity, Pilgrims’ Hospice.   Please note the increased costs for of  £10.00 for a cooked and £7.00 for a light breakfast.

Thursday, February, 14^th – Guest Breakfast:

Please bring a guest along if you can but don’t forget to let Godfrey know.

Thursday, February 15^th – Ten-pin Bowling and Dinner:

Sue has still not heard from everyone who will be going to the Alimo Restaurant after the bowling with their menu selections and she would be glad to hear from the backsliders as soon as possible.

Sunday, February 24^th – Car Parking at Whitstable:

The next car parking will be on Sunday, February 24^th.     Godfrey needs help, especially on a Sunday, so please sign up if you can spare some time.

Friday, April 12^th – Open Your Hearts to Bhutan:

Emma Slade invites everyone to a party on Friday, April 12^th from 6.30 to 9.00 pm to celebrate the success of Open Your Hearts to Bhutan.      The venue will be Highfield House, Summer Hill, Harbledown, Canterbury, CT2 8NH and there will be nibbles and drinks.

Saturday, April 27^th – TWAM Collection:

Please make a note of the new date and sign up on the form in the folder to help.

Friday to Sunday, June 7^th to 9^th – Visit from Apeldoorn:

There are forms in the folder for hosting and for the events;  please sign up as soon as possible so that Andrew can make the necessary arrangements.      The train trip from Tenterden to Bodiam and visit to the castle books up very quickly and tickets will be available on a ‘first come first served’ basis.     Andrew B. is particularly anxious to organize hosting for our visitors and if you can offer accommodation could you sign up as soon as possible.

Saturday, June 15th – Barn Dance:

David M. has tickets for the Barn Dance which will be held at All Saints Hall, Church Road, Whitstable on Saturday, June 15^th.    The cost will be £20.00 per person and everyone is encouraged to sell tickets to make the evening a real success.

Raffle:

Kathy won a bottle of wine.

Master of Alms:

Nick gets ever nearer to his target for the year.