January 2019

PRESIDENT Ian Watson

SECRETARY Mike McNally

THEBORDERER

January 2019

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Looking out of the window as I write this message there are signs that maybe winter is upon us, snow lying well down the hills, the need to defrost the car windows, the necessity to turn the heating up, it makes you wonder! Until now

looking across the countryside you could be forgiven for thinking it was spring, snowdrops are in bloom, bulbs are showing their faces and no doubt there will be potatoes chitting under someone's bed!

Rotary activities have been relatively quiet since my last message. Trish Livesy CEO at Eden Valley Hospice gave us our New Year Message with the emphasis

on the need for cooperation among all sectors involved in health care.

David Ramshaw spoke to us about the Waverley Line, its history and all that the Waverley Trust are doing to get the viaduct open for pedestrians and cyclists. At his request Secretary Mike has written to him to express the support of our Club to their project. Tim Hayes – Jones gave us an interesting account of his life and times in Rhodesia.

The Farmers & Farmers Wives Choir, but I am biased, was an outstanding success, my thanks to the Club for your support and of course in particular to my band of helpers. I realise there were times when one or two of you wondered if I had 'bitten off more than I could chew', and if I am being honest in the early days I wondered that myself, not that I would have admitted it! However it all came good in the end, and having banked the money from the raffle and the retiring collection, I am confident we will have raised £13,000, if, and I'm still optimistic the sponsorship will cover all the costs. That is the figure to be divided between those four worthwhile charities. Hopefully we will be able to add to that for my two Charities, Meningitis Now and Eden Valley Hospice at our Annual Golf Day in May, where we share the spoils with Life Education.

 I have passed the  half way stage of my year in office but there is still some 'work in progress' to attend to. Top of that list is our annual BBQ, do we do something of the same or do we do something different? Barbara and I are 'on the case' so as they say watch this space!!

IAN WATSON

PRESIDENT

EDEN VALLEY HOSPICE

How lucky we are to have such a wonderful Hospice in our midst and how proud we can be for having been involved its development almost 30 years ago.

We welcomed to our first luncheon meeting of the year Tricia Livsey, Chief Executive Officer of the Eden Valley Hospice who gave us her thoughts for 2019.

Working closely with other NHS services, the Hospice is able to provide one to one care within the Children’s Hospice (Jigsaw) and similar care in the adult Hospice.

Jigsaw covers a very large area as similar facilities are as far away as Newcastle in the East  and Chorley in the South.

Tricia explained that we should never assume that patients merely come to The Hospice to spend their last few days, as this is not true. Many return home having had wonderful care and the appropriate treatment to enable continued quality time with their loved ones.

As we know, The Eden Valley Hospice is part of our local community with 7 fundraising shops, a lottery and is helped considerably by many bequests and donations. The total cost of maintaining this wonderful community asset is over £4 million per annum and anything we can do to raise funds is always appreciated. Our President Ian has, of course, included the Hospice as one of his charities for the year and he and Barbara do even more by being weekly volunteers at Durdar Road.

As Tricia said in her closing remarks ‘This is a place for the living not just for those who are dying’

NICK UTTING

President Ian’s Dream comes to fruition

PRESIDENT IAN OFFERS HIS THANKS TO THE CHOIR

A Chorus of farmers and their wives 100 strong came and raised the roof of The Sands Carlisle when they gave their first concert south of the border. Over 750 people in the audience listened and appreciated the versatility of the varied repertoire.

President Ian first heard the choir preform in Troon and hit upon the idea of bringing the singers to Carlisle to give a charity concert in aid of specified charities. Proceeds of the concert will go to Meningitis Now and Eden Valley Hospice, two charities nominated by the President and supported by the Rotary Club of Carlisle.

The choir, who gave their services free, is sharing the proceeds with their chosen charities Macmillan Cancer Support and Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The choirs were formed in September 2013 drawing people from all over the south of Scotland and since then have performed all over Scotland, to date the combined choir under the direction of Kate Picken a farmer’s wife and music teacher from Kirkcudbright has raised over £33,000

The Concert was ably hosted and compered by Belinda Artingstoll of Radio Cumbria who seamlessly managed introducing the programme with background information and the on stage movements of the artists. The programme itself had something for everyone and it was delivered by a choir and soloists who enjoyed their singing, this was evident by the attention they gave to their excellent conductor.

In his vote of thanks at the end of the evening President Ian made special mention of all those people and organisations that had helped and contributed to the success of the event. The 56 Sponsors, Staff at the Sands Centre Carlisle, people behind the scenes, the accompanists and the backing sound technicians, not forgetting the choir its musical director Kate Picken and the evening’s compere Belinda Artigstoll together with members of the Rotary Club of Carlisle.

One person Ian forgot to mention was himself, for without his enthusiasm and dedication the whole event would not have been possible.  He and Barbara are due a huge vote of thanks from everyone present and the Charities which will benefit from the £13,000 raised.

A true illustration of Service above Self

DONALD EDGAR

DISTRICT TEN PIN BOWLING COMPETITION

After a bye in the first round we were drawn to play Upper Eden Club at the AMF Bowl in Carlisle on 9^th January in the second round. Based on the scores from our earlier Club Bowling Night we thought we had our strongest team available made up of Club Champion Tom Dawson, Runners-up Phil and Malcolm along with Hugh and yours truly. How could we go wrong.

Sadly the evening got off to a bad start when an hour before a ball was bowled Tom was called away on important family business in Keswick. With chosen reserves unable to play at such short notice good old Donald stepped into the breach, heading straight to our rescue.

But there was still further drama to come. Ivor Allonby and his team from Upper Eden arrived in good time but at the 7.30 start time we were still one team member (who shall remain nameless) short. Said member was duly woken from his post-dinner slumber and after what we believe was a pretty hairy drive through Carlisle he duly arrived for a delayed start at 7.45.

Needless to say we were unsettled by such excitement and after a slow start we found ourselves well down at the half way stage. Whether we improved or Upper Eden got over-confident we will never know, but as the match drew to a close we were chipping away at their lead and were still in with a chance of victory approaching the tenth and final leg. Sadly it was not to be and in true Carlisle Rotary fashion we lost with honour at 417 to 444, a narrow margin 27 pins, thereby avoiding a possible away draw in deepest Lancashire in the third round. 

The evening ended with a quick dash to The Auctioneer where both teams enjoyed good fellowship over a drink and sandwiches and chips.

Better luck next year chaps.                        BRIAN EDMUNDSON

GOOD PUBLICITY

We received some good publicity for our Christmas Lunch charity donations.

Shame that our caption went AWOL!

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Why does a doctor need to control his temper?

Because he doesn’t want to lose his patients!

Why shouldn't you tell a secret on a farm? 

Because the potatoes have eyes, the corn has ears, and the beans stalk. 

 Who takes care of the farm when the farmer is sick? 

The pharmacist. 

SANTA’S SUCCESS!

We had good weather and good crowds on Christmas Eve at Lowry Hill and we collected £730.64, giving £1,014.80 for the two evenings when our brilliant Santa and elves manned the sleigh.

Well done to all those involved!!

                          RHODESIA

Using his substantial knowledge of the subject, Tim Hayes-Jones gave us an interesting talk on the economy and history of Rhodesia.

In 1870 only 10% of Africa was under European control, but by 1914 that figure had risen to 90%, thanks in part to Cecil Rhodes, an ardent believer in British Imperialism. Rhodesia was named after him.

Tim’s Grandfather and his Great Grandfather, Harry Ashburner had trekked into Rhodesia in 1893 and 3 years later his grandfather was driven from his farm and lost all his cattle. Tim was born and educated in Cape Town and had moved to Rhodesia in 1958, staying there for 16 years. During this time he served in the army 6 weeks in/6 weeks out – making home and working life very difficult.

The native population of Rhodesia was Shona, but 15% of the people were from the Ndebele or Zulu tribe. The country had a warm, sunny climate with rainfall concentrated in December to March, ideal for farming – including tobacco. In fact the country was known as the breadbasket of Southern Africa. There were huge tourism potentials – 5 game reserves with buffalo, elephant, leopard lion and rhino. Rhodesia’s mineral wealth of diamonds, gold, asbestos, nickel and chrome, was also a major attraction to European investors.

However the unwillingness of the Smith government to legislate against Apartheid led to Rhodesia’s declaration of UDI in 1965 and the Bush War from 1972 to 1979, during which 20,000 people were killed, including David Morton’s uncle and several of his farm workers.

Independence in 1980 and the rule of Robert Mugabe led to the collapse of the country’s infrastructure, economy and the exodus of millions of people.

Tim finished by asking whether Rotary should help to sort out this tragedy.

KEN DEWAR

Last week Ken received a Certificate to celebrate his 40 years membership of Rotary.

Some photos of his younger days were produced – well here are some more!!

COWS

Farmer goes out to his field one morning only to find all his cows frozen solid. As far as the eye can see are cows, motionless like statues.

It had been a cold night but he’d never thought anything like this would happen. The realisation of the situation then dawned on him. With his entire livestock gone how would he make ends meet? How would he feed his wife and kids? How would he pay the mortgage? He sat with his head in his hands trying to come to terms with his impending poverty.

Just then an elderly woman walked by. “What’s the matter?” asked the old lady. The farmer gestured toward the frozen cows and explained his predicament to the woman.

Without hesitation the old woman smiled and began to rub one of the cow’s noses. After a few seconds the cow began to twitch and was soon back to normal and chewing the cud.

One by one the old woman defrosted the cows until the whole field was full of healthy animals. The farmer was delighted and asked the woman what she wanted as a repayment for her deed. She declined his offer and walked off across the field.

A passer-by who had witnessed the whole thing approached the farmer.

“You know who that was don’t you?” asked the passer-by.

“No,” said the farmer.

“Thora Hird,” replied the passer-by.

Yes, we all know that Belinda used that one as part of her excellent comparing of the Choir Concert, but Donald insisted that we repeat, it as it was so good!!

THE WAVERLEY VIADUCT

David Ramshaw spoke to us about the Waverley Line, its history and all that the Waverley Trust are doing to get the viaduct open for pedestrians and cyclists. At his request Secretary Mike has written to him to express the support of our Club to their project.

The points supporting the project include:

• The path would open up new areas of countryside to walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, runners and tourists

   

• It would increase access to the countryside for a large number of residents

   

• The path would provide a traffic-free route between Newtown and Etterby

   

• It would improve the city's footpath network, and link two national walking routes (Hadrian's Wall Trail and Cumbria Way)

   

• The path would link two city nature reserves - the ones at Kingmoor and Engine Lonning;

Some Murray Walker Funnies!

• There's nothing wrong with the car except it is on fire!

   

• And that just shows you how important the car is in Formula One Racing!

   

• With half the race gone, there is half the race to go!

   

• There are 7 winners of the Monaco Grand Prix on the starting line today and four of them are Michael Schumacher!

   

• Andrea de Cesaris -  the man who has won more Grand Prix than anyone else without actually winning one of them!

   

• As you look at the first four, the significant thing is that Alboreto is 5th!

   

• The lead car is unique except for the one behind it which is identical!

   

• Anything happens in Grand Prix racing, and it usually does!

   

• IF is a very long word in Formula One, in fact IF is  FI spelled backwards!

  "I'm a slow walker, but I never walk back." Abraham Lincoln

   

   

   

  THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH..

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Gandhi 

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop 

"It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan." --Eleanor Roosevelt

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CARDS NIGHT

Friday 8th February 2019

7.00 for 7.30pm

It’s the first social event of the year and the date has been fixed for our Military Whist Drive, which after many years at the home of Robin and Jenny, is ‘going home’ to John Hannon’s in Longlands Road – the scene of many such evenings in the past.

As ever the evening comprises a few hands of partner whist played in teams of four with the usual supper of  ‘splendid Wilson’s pie, mushy peas & pickled cabbage’ (seconds usually available) washed down with a glass or two of wine or soft drink and a cup of tea/coffee before prize-giving and home to bed.

All for £10 per head – inclusive of wine and spectacular prizes

Very little skill is involved (if you know the basic rules of whist and have a good sense of direction). Over the years this has been one of those pleasantly enjoyable social evenings in good company and comfortable surroundings. 

As ever we are limited to a maximum of 28 players so get your names down early if you want to join the fun!

Brian Edmundson.    

 POETS’     CORNER

The computer swallowed grandma.
Yes, honestly its true!
She pressed ‘control’ and ‘enter’
And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely,
The thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm.

I’ve searched my recycle bin
And files of every kind;
I’ve even used the Internet,
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative,
Not a thing was found ‘online’.

Valerie Waite

FOOD BANK COLLECTION ROTA

RESERVES JOE WATT AND JOHN CHURCHILL

WISHING WELL

We collected £346 for the Foodbank and are presenting them with a cheque with a cheque for £350. The current charity is The Hospice at Home.

Future charities are NSPCC, Life Education, Macmillan Cancer Support, MND Cumbria and Alzheimer’s Awareness.

This takes us to July 2019 and if any member has a suitable charity they would like to nominate please contact me.

MICHAEL PEARSON

RECEPTION DESK FOR CLUB MEETINGS

February    6^th             DH & Peter Yates

                13^th           DH & Malcolm Metcalfe

                20             DH & Brian Edmundson

                27^th           David H & Hugh Nicholson-Walker

March        6^th             JV & Bob Mather

                13^th           JV & Malcolm Metcalfe

                20^th           JV &

                27^th           H N-W & Marian Reed

April          3^rd            DH & John Harris

                10^th           DH & John Churchill

                17^th           DH & Steven Bowditch

                26^th           David H &

May           1^st             DH &

                8^th             JV &

                15^th           JV &

                22^nd          JV &

                29^th           H N-W &

ROTARY WEBPAGES

Rotary Magazine – current & previous editions

https://issuu.com/rotaryingbi/docs 

EDITOR’S NOTE – The Borderer uses the free version of the same ‘issuu’ website!

Rotary Policies

Rotary GB&I Compliance Statement – 2017/18

Our Club President or Secretary have been asked to confirm that our Club has read and adopted the following Rotary GB&I documents:

 Rotary GB&I Equality and Diversity Policy

 Rotary GB&I Health and Safety Policy

 Rotary GB&I Safeguarding (Children) Policy

 Rotary GB&I Safeguarding (Vulnerable Adults) Policy

 Rotary GB&I Data Protection Policy Statement  

With grateful thanks to the Rotary Club of Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire (a long way from the Brecon Beacons - according to our Welsh Correspondent!)

Rotary Central

https://my.rotary.org/en

To delve into the detailed Rotary statistics you may need a username and password

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2019

8^th February. Cards Night

Cards Night – Details on the circulation sheet. 

Looks like a positive demand for this social event and a good evening will be enjoyed by all.

20^th February. Snooker Evening

Portland Club, Currock Road at 6.30pm – cost £1 includes light refreshments and a complimentary drink

13^thMarch - Curling at Lockerbie Ice Rink.

The only place to be at that time of year!

17^th May – Charity Golf Match

        This date should be in diaries already as we will be looking for Players, Helpers and Sponsors to support our early Summer fundraiser.

Club Council Meetings

Club Meetings Programme