Speaker Meeting at SCCC

It was a busy night at the SCCC and we had a busy Rotary Club programme.

34 Club Members were present plus Stan Jones, Chairman of District Foundation Grant Committee. 

The evening started with the Induction of Richard Dyke, joining us from R.C. Otter Vale. Welcome Richard!

The main topic of the evening was an update by Paul Hughes on the Taunton East Development Trust Charity - 'The Halcon Project'. Paul gave us a comprehensive presentation covering the Scale of the Challenge, Board Priorities, The Strategy for the future, and the Role of Rotary. He regarded our involvement with this local project as 'a perfect Rotary charity', and it had the potential to improve the life chances of many of the 6000 residents on three Taunton Estates. The current activities of the project are impacting on about five per cent of the Community, but the building blocks are in position to help at least half of the total. The very real possibility of a £268,000 Lottery Fund Grant would improve the financial stability of this initiative and help the achievement of the established objectives.

Paul wants our Club to be a long term supporter of this initiative, spreading the word, being seen in the Community, acting as mentors, and providing life and work skills. His presentation material is available to all Club Members who wish to develop awareness of the project among their social and business contacts. Club Members present gave their support to this initiative, which Paul is leading, helped by Jonny Dunk, Bill Tregillus and other Club Members on the work rota.

Stan Jones presented President Keith with a District cheque for £1000 for Somerset Sight [which we will match from Club Funds]. He also encouraged the Club to look for other worthwhile projects that could attract District Grants.

Phil Greenway introduced a new initiative being organised with five local schools - The Technology Tournament. It will take place on March 20th, and he will require considerable support on the day from Club Members. The meeting supported his plans and more information will follow in due course.

Rory gave an update on the Breakfast Club which has been running for fifteen months. It is now well established with around 10 Rotarians and 10 non-Rotarians at regular meetings. He proposed that the non-Rotarians attending regularly should now be invited to join Rotary as 'Breakfast Club Rotarians' on reduced fees. This was agreed by Members present.

Reports from Derek Bartaby, Andrew and David Janes indicated that David Watkins has further health issues, Derek Smalley was in hospital, Dick Foster was doing well after his operation, and John Binns will have to take the weight off his leg in order to help the healing process.

Still tickets available for the Speaker Dinner on 16th March – Get selling!.

Next Meetings: Wednesday 6th February Breakfast Club, opt-in to Rory

Monday 11th February at SCCC speaker to be advised, d/r Colin Barrell s/f Olly Bircher

18th February at SCCC Communications Committee: Presentation on how to access the Rotary Website - bring your i-pads and lap tops! d/r Derek Bartaby

Meal Apologies to David Janes.

Ball Draw: wine won by Phil Greenway, but still no Joker -£85 next time.