General Meeting

ROTARY CLUB OF CHESTFIELD

Breakfast Meeting of 8^th August 2019

Welcomes:

            Sue welcomed all members to the meeting.  Iain Millet was welcomed as a guest – for the last time.

Birthdays

Apologies

            Owain, Hilary, John Graham, Maureen, Myfannwy, Pete, Reggie, David K, Ian Thomas.  Sue said the latter is recovering from his hip operation, but still at home.  He would welcome visitors, but not after 5.00pm Tuesdays, 12.30-6.00pm Wednesdays, or all day Thursdays.  Could someone give him a lift from 15^th August onwards?

Thought for the week

            “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”  Anonymous.

Grace

            Performed by Paul.

BREAKFAST

Recent Events

            Harbour Day.  We were blessed with the weather, which was not too hot, not too cold.  Ron went into the stocks at one point – but complained today that a sponge packed with water packs quite a punch when thrown by a 16-stone bloke!  We made £190.

            Car Parking.  Strange day; although we were full, there wasn’t a very quick turnover of vehicles.  We raised £441.

            Robert’s cycle ride on behalf of Tommy’s.  Robert showed members his medal.  35,000 riders took part in the event.  Robert completed the 100K ride across central London.  He thinks that the event raised approximately £100,000.

Induction of Iain Millet

            Lesley read out the Objects of the Rotary Club.  Iain’s membership was sponsored by Sue; she met him when they both attended a bereavement social group.  Sue formally welcomed Iain to Rotary and to our club.  Iain said a few words about himself.  He was born and brought up in Minnis Bay.  His grandfather was one of the people behind setting up Dreamland, so he spent a lot of his childhood there.  Sailing has been a big part of his life; little boats, then bigger ones.  In his professional life he was a chartered accountant.  Iain’s middle name is St. Just from a village near Penzance, from which his family originates.  Iain has been married twice, and has three grown children, a girl and two boys, who are all doing well.

Any Other Business

            Sue drew members’ attention to a leaflet from the charity Grow Baby, which collects donated items for new parents – clothes, toys, baby equipment. 

            Sue has received an email about a charity mentioned when they visited last week, Honey Bears.  This will be discussed at the Board meeting this evening.

            The Bat and Trap competition will be on Friday evening 23^rd August from 7.00pm, at the Golden Lion.  There will be a buffet meal afterwards.

            There will be a visit to the Ramsgate Tunnels on 14^th September.  Paul said this is very good value at £4.00.  Even better you emerge at the finish right opposite to the new Wetherspoons.

            Pat mentioned the £75 voucher which was won by some friends at the Christmas raffle.  They used it recently to take her out to lunch.

            Sue reminded members about the Golf Day at the beginning of September.  Raffle prizes are needed for this; all members are asked if they can donate or scrounge prizes.  Dave C said that we will also need prizes for the Quiz Night in November.  A propos the above, Jean mentioned that she is running out of prizes for our weekly raffle.

            Sue will be away next week; Ron will run the meeting.

            Greetings from other clubs.  Dave C said, while car parking, he spoke to a member of Melksham Rotary Club.  She was impressed by our car parking initiative.  Apparently they run a community cafe, so if you are ever in the neighbourhood etc.  Melksham is in Wiltshire.

            Nick has visited John Graham.  He is getting better and looking forward to being back with us when he is able to drive.

            Paul shared an anecdote about the problems with the failing Whaley Bridge Dam.  One of the engineers has said that a warning sign to watch out for is when there is no more bird song. 

The Raffle

            Andrew won the bottle of wine, but will donate it to tonight’s bored meeting.  Jackie won the marrow.

Master at Arms

            Nick did his thing.  According to him, today is International Cat Day, and also Happiness Day.  (I told my cat Harry about Cat Day when I got home, but he wasn’t impressed.  So far as he is concerned, every day is Cat Day:  Dave C)

Final Toast

            Sue proposed the Final Toast (to give Iain a break).  The meeting closed at 08.40am.