Newsletter No. 4

                                                                                          18th November 2020

Greetings from President Malcolm

There is absolutely no doubt that we are living through changing times. I do not think any of us can deny that. 2020 has been an extraordinary year. Unlike any other we have known.

So it can be no surprise that Rotary is proposing changes to allow it to adapt to the changes . Over the past ten days or so District has introduced us to the changes in structure to Rotary International (RI) and Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland(RGBI); and the new types of membership options that are becoming available.

For some of us this causes concern because we are happy with things as they are. We do not want change. However, we must recognise that in a fast-paced world where technology is now part of our day to day life, the arrangements that were appropriate 115 years ago, just don’t work as well any longer.

Our aim must be for Rotary to survive another 100 years and hopefully longer, so that our work of helping people locally and globally can continue. Our principle of service before self has never been more relevant.

I hope you have watched the videos I sent you last week. So that I can feed back your comments to the next District meeting which is on 21^st, please let me have any thoughts you might have before then.

Yours in Rotary Fellowship,

Malcolm

What happened at this week’s meeting?

Nigel Barry, Secretary of the Cardiff Rivers Group, spoke to us about the important work it undertakes clearing waterways in Cardiff and the surrounding area on a voluntary basis. Geraint thanked Nigel on behalf of the Club and reflected that the improved condition of leisure areas around Cardiff was due to the Group who few are aware of. Malcolm proposed that club members should join the CRG on one of its work days in the New Year.

A Special Annual Meeting was held to consider the accounts for the Rotary Year 2019/2020 which ended 30 June 2020 (copies of which had been sent to members electronically in advance of the meeting). Colin guided members through the papers which were certified as correct by Alan Birchall as Club Auditor on 11 November 2020. The accounts were agreed by the Club and thanks were offered by Malcolm and Mike Warsop to Colin for the work he has undertaken looking after the Club funds for another year.

Malcolm outlined the organisational changes to the structure of RI and RGBI.

Neil proposed that the 200 Club is drawn at our Festive meeting on 16^th December.

What have we been doing?

Instagram

Cardiff East now has an Instagram site. It is linked to our Facebook page, so you might spot some duplication. We have been warmly welcomed into the Rotary Instagram world. Our posts are followed by 114 clubs worldwide and increasing. With so many new friends across the world, it is now more important than ever that we make our activities known. Please send photographs to Neil and Megan of anything you feel would interest our friends.

Rotary Restructuring

Following a District meeting, Malcolm shared the videos outlining the possible changes to the operational structure of RI and RIBI.

Yes and…. of Rotary Membership

Amanda Watkins, General Secretary RIBI, gave a very good talk on the innovative ways in which people can become involved in the Rotary family.

Meet Another Club Online

Cardiff East has joined this scheme.

Christmas Community Projects

Paul G collected members’ contributions for the young people at Ty Bronna and the residents of local care homes at Thornhill and Lisvane Station.

Club Projects

The Club is continuing to deliver projects and we want as many ideas as possible. Our current projects are:

• The Church Army is working with homeless children (under 18s) at their care home Ty Bronna in Fairwater. At Christmas, it appeals for gifts for the youngsters in their care. This year we have decided to support the appeal by providing vouchers to allow the young people independence to choose what they would like to receive. The target is for every club member to raise £5. If you haven’t given Paul G your contribution already, please could you ensure Colin receives your donation in good time to allow the purchase of the vouchers.

• Care home gifts. Every year the Club has, through our pop-up choir, provided a Christmas concert and gifts for residents of local care homes. This year the concerts will not take place, but Father Christmas will drop off gifts as usual bearing in mind social distancing rules. If you have not given Paul your gifts, you can donate £5 to the club bank account (Colin will provide details if needed). Paul G will purchase and wrap the presents for delivery by Father Christmas.

• Usable toy recycling. The Club would like to work with the Mad 4 Kids charity who are collecting reusable toys suitable for children aged 7 and under. If you have any suitable toys please contact Loretta, who will collect them.

• Cardiff Food Bank have asked for chocolates on a Christmas theme. Please place your contributions in the collection bins in supermarkets.

What’s happening about…

The Christmas Trip 2020

The pandemic means it is not possible to visit Bruges this year as planned. Our trip has been postponed until December 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Geraint Phillips, Julian Johns or Mike Warsop.

Face Masks

The 3-layer protective non medical washable face mask, which is breathable, shaped, with integral adjustable nose bridge and elastic ear straps. 
It has a filter pocket for replaceable filters, (filters not included) giving the option of 4th layer of protection. Face Masks are priced £6.80 each. Please contact Malcolm if you want to order masks.

Distance Aware

Cardiff East is supporting District 1150’s project to distribute Distance Aware badges. The Club ordered a further 50 badges recently bringing the total to 300. If you want badges, please contact Malcolm.

Further information about the initiative can be found on the Bevan Commission site (bevancommission.org/distanceaware)

Scout Stamps

Cardiff Scouts have decided they are unable to undertake the annual Scout Post safely this year. This will result in a significant loss of income for the local scout movement in the area. They are asking the public who would normally buy stamps to make a donation at https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/Scoutpost so they can continue the work they do with young people.

Coming events

Cardiff Breakfast have organised an online Christmas Carol Service on Monday 7^th December starting at 6:30p.m. with live readings, specially recorded carols and an opportunity to join in the festivities. If you would like to attend please contact Steve Finch on finch7665@btinternet.com Steve can provide details if you would like to make a donation. Donations will be divided between the Guide Dogs for the Blind, Llanishen Methodist Church and St Michaels And All Angels, Tongwynlais both of whom are supporting the event.

Next meeting is..

On Wednesday 2^nd December at 6:30p.m. John Miles will talk about Global Sight Solutions. Neil Lyle will thank John on behalf of the Club. Details about how to join the meeting by Zoom will be sent to you shortly beforehand.

Club news is available from…

Our website: www.rotary-ribi.org/cardiffeast

Our Facebook page: www.en-gb.Facebook.com/rotaryclubofcardiffeast