Business meeting

President Francis hosted and chaired today’s business meeting from his hideaway in Spain. He had problems with his Internet connection but that did not stop us having a useful meeting.

Eleven of us took part. The minutes of the March business meeting were approved. Bob Booker gave a fairly short Treasurer’s report at there had been very few transactions on the Club and Trust Fund accounts.

There was general agreement that the previous week’s joint meeting the Rotary Club of Billericay had gone well.

Mo Sadiq and Keith Otter confirmed that the April Fellowship Meeting on 17 April had been booked at the Fox and Raven. Keith said he would circulate menus.

Alison Moses reported that ten members had offered to help all day with the jumble sale on 26 April. Janice Goodman offered to deal with refreshments in the afternoon.

Alison has booked the Hive for the Fellowship Meeting on 15 May. Since she will not be at the meeting, Keith Otter offered to deal with the bookings. The Hive want details of the orders in writing five working days in advance. Janice offered to take the written list to them.

It was agreed we should book the Ivy Hill Hotel for our meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month up to the end of September. David Axon mentioned that he was waiting for a reply from Little Channels about the four evening meetings in 2025-26.

The proposed project to paint part of a lday’s flat was discussed. President Francis suggested we should see if the YMCA can provide some young people to help. He and Graham Furnival will visit the flat in advance to gauge the extent of the work required.

The Rotary Day of Service is 17 May. it was agreed that the quiz for Families in Focus the previous day should be regarded as our contribution to this.

There is to be a Rotary Plastic Blitz on 25 May. President Francis has discussed the possibility of a joint litter pick with the Presidents of the other Chelmsford Clubs. It will have to be considered further owing to potential problems in arranging one.

The question of whether we should hold our own Christmas Party or join with other Clubs was left open. The Senior Guests’ annual outing to the panto has been booked for 4 January 2026.

The headmaster of Beaulieu Park School is to run a half marathon to raise funds. The members agreed the Club should make a donation of £100.