Business Meeting at SCCC

Monday’s meeting set a new record but not one of which the club can be proud. Just 25 members were present. It is believed to be the smallest number attending a regular club meeting; certainly it is the lowest that I have recorded during the 12 years that I have been the attendance officer.

Following a meal of roast beef that was even rarer than Rotarians, we turned our attention to club business.

There were no Presidential or Secretarial announcements but in the absence of the treasurer, the President told us that Moonraker receipts amount to approx. £13,600. It was proposed, and agreed, that they be split 75% between the two main charities (Somerset Sight and TOG), with 25% to other Rotary charities at the future direction of the Club. So £5,100 to each. (Somerset Sight to also get £1,000 from District Grant, ‘matched’ by part of their £5,100).

In answer to a question, members were informed that the emergency fund has an adequate balance at present.

Community

John Binns Reminded us that the Queens Concert is next Tuesday and Kids out on June 12th. Those who have kindly volunteered to help out are asked to bring appropriate outdoor clothing in case the summer has ended!

Health and Safety

In his role as Health and Safety officer John pointed out that all members must be aware of and comply with the Club’s Health and Safety Policy. This can be viewed on the club web-site www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=743781&ClubID=1224 (you do need to be logged in to see this page). Legally - the overall responsibility for safety at any Rotary activity or event organised by the RCTV lies with the club and in particular with the lead member for the activity or event. We risk being un-insured and potentially open to prosecution if an adequate risk assessment has not been formulated for all our events.

Members were also reminded that they also must be aware of the club’s Safeguarding Policy once it has been updated.

While these things seem dull, it is important that everyone is aware of their individual and collective responsibilities and anyone not present on the 25th is particularly encouraged to take a few minutes to inform themselves of both these statements.

International and Foundation: 

Kathryn Robinson Burge reported that the Kenya project has now been handed over to the local (African) club for delivery, though we will continue to monitor progress though reports.

All is in hand for the 3 club visit to Sweden (May 17 – 19).

The club has received a request for £350 funding from “Legs for Africa” – a Bristol based charity (www.legs4africa.org). After a short discussion it was suggested that we investigate the financial status of the charity and invite them to send a speaker to talk to us about their work before sending money.

House and Programme:

Tony Blackshaw reported that the programme is now in place beyond the end of the Rotary year. The full programme was recently circulated to all members and is available on the website.

Communications:

Richard Goring said there was nothing to report since the presentation last week except that a press release had been written and distributed to local media in advance of the opening of the new Halcon Link Centre.

There was no report from the Youth Activities committee.

The Ball Draw was won by Kathryn R-B but she did not pick the joker so £105 next time.

Next meeting – Breakfast at the Stragglers on March 6th.

11th March at SCCC - Sophie Banham, Equinor (Renewable Energy Technology). DR Henry Besley, SF Stuart Berry.

18th March, 19.00 - Take That Tribute Band at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil in aid of Hidden Needs Trust, supporting Opportunity Groups in Somerset and Dorset. Members to make their own bookings for seats and a meal. This will be regarded as an opt-in meeting so apologies are not required.