David Ward - Job Talk.{Preceded by M & C mtg 6.00pm)

Wed, Apr 17th 2024 7:00 pm - David Ward - Job Talk. JOURNALIST REVEALS ALL

New member to the Cavaliers, but long time Rotarian David Ward reported on his professional life. A very laid back opening for which he possibly appreciated being able to be present having endured two operations, sepsis and delirium, which puts life into a wider perspective.

Working life commenced as a Signalman for British Rail in Knottingley. This necessitated a 17 mile cycle ride which gave him a passion to recreationally take up the activity and developed his stamina, despite being overtaken on one occasion by the internationally known record breaking cyclist Beryl Burton. These early days of non-segregated sport gave no protection to men being surpassed by women.

Modernisation by BR led him to leaving and taking up employment in the printing industry, eventually editing and publishing his own regional newspaper. This provided opportunities for interviewing many Celebrities (before this title came into recent fashion) when we would call them Stars. To improve his efficiency David learned via the Yorkshire Post the art of Shorthand writing and it is to this organ he eventually sold his own newspaper title.

Some of his many Rotary activities include cycling with five fellow Rotarians from Rothwell to Nante raising funds for Polio Plus. Another was to collect and transfer second-hand cycles for the benefit of people in Africa.

He created the RC of Helmsley with 25 members, realising later than costs could be kept to a minimum by not meeting over a meal in a hostelry as many clubs do, but making use of Kirkbymoorside Library.

David is a Past President also having served as an Assistant District Governor.

Jim Martin