ROTARY CLUB OF SWINDON

Speaker Meeting Thursday 8th October 2020

   Lunch time meeting via Zoom

Typical view of the Zoom screen  

Today, 30 Rotarians Zoomed into our Thursday meeting     

    

1. Welcome by President Debbie Vincent – 30 participants today, including our guests Chris Firth, District Governor and Peter Hayman (DG’s driver!).  Debbie thanked everyone for attending.

2. Host today – Cliff Puffett – Cliff said this was a time to reflect and to count our blessings that we have been kept free of this horrible disease.

Cliff recited the 4-way test – 

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

3. Members announcements – Sue F shared the auction website with everyone.  More details will be given next week when we have our business meeting.  Sue thanked everyone for their donations, but if people were unsure about what they could donate, then we were collecting books, dvd’s and cd’s to make up some selection lots – all items need to be in a saleable condition.

Peter Wells updated everyone on the Virtual Quiz to be held on 29th October at 7pm.  Everyone can bring their own food and wine; there will be no raffle or prizes and hopefully everyone will enjoy the gentle fun of the evening.

Peter also announced the following monies from Rotary Foundation - £750 to Cliff Puffett for Open Door, £750 to Nicky Alberry for SWA, £750 to Debbie for Brighter Futures and also £750 to Sue H for Edu Fun.  Everyone thanked Peter for this tremendous news.

Simon also recommended a new podcast from BBC Sound called ‘What Planet are we on ?’

4. President’s announcements – Debbie read out a letter she had received from David Pratt about his resignation from the Club due to his continuing ill health; everyone wished David all the best and the Club will keep in touch.  £265 had been raised from the sale of crocus bulbs for End Polio Now.  Debbie also thanked Michelle for her marathon run which had raised a total of £1,167.50 for the A&E department (Brighter Futures).  Lunch monies had again raised another £1,400 and Debbie thanked everyone who had contributed.  £700 to go to Dogs for Good and £700 to the Down’s Syndrome Group (+ Maureen’s contribution from her win from the 100 Club of £45).

5. Secretary Announcements – apologies has been received from Lesley, Michelle, Tony H and Richard - next week will be a business meeting, host is Michael Morse.

6. Chris Firth – District Governor – District Update – Chris welcomed John Woodcock back from his operation and also Russ Stein as a new member.  Chris was sorry to hear about David P and said he had been really active in both of his Clubs and had been a positive member – he will be badly missed.  The district as a whole was taking a more positive stance about the impact of COVID on Rotary, than they had in March.  Rotary needs to look outward – great to see the 4-way test as part of the weekly meetings.

Some Clubs meeting via Zoom, some meeting less frequently, unfortunately one of the Cheltenham clubs will be lost at the end of this Rotary year in its present format but hope to resurrect as an EClub.

Clubs could still meet following the guidelines of socially distancing and being outside.

Theme for the next 3 months – Change, Collaboration and Communication.  District numbers were at 1,660 (70 down on this time last year but had a high age range.  Need to do something about this – this Club was down 20% of active members in the last 2 years.  Where will we be in 5 years ?  If we do nothing, will be still be in existence in 5 years’ time ?

Future will be virtual, formal and informal with recruiting younger tech savvy members into Rotary.  Need for community focused initiatives.  Clubs to work in partnerships with charities and local groups etc.  Just as RCS is working with Christchurch community group and the Old Town Business Association.

Collaboration needed between the Clubs – sharing of skills.  Umbrella in Swindon for the Clubs – Rotary in Swindon.

Modern Slavery – event in Bristol to raise awareness.

Beirut – number of clubs have come together and have so far raised £12,0000.  First tranche of money ha gone to Beirut – Rotary working at the local level.

Communication – need to get communication right – long term programme. District has been isolated from the Clubs for a number of years.  New website being launched – need information from Clubs to put on this site.  Need to improve diversity in Clubs.

District looking for team leaders, volunteers etc – if you are interested please contact Chris F.

Conference planning – at present conference is still planned for March 2021 in Torquay.

Debbie thanked Chris for a very informative talk.  Cliff asked Club to thank Chris in the normal manner.

7. Final Toast – Rotary Around the World & Royal Wootton Bassett & District Club.    

Rotary around the World 

Lesley
Hon Secretary