Evening Business Meeting

Rotary Club of Chestfield

Notes of the Breakfast Meeting 19^th March 2020.

Present:                       11 members present.

Birthdays:                    None this week.

Apologies:                   Jean S; Owain; Jean & Andrew M; Ian T; Iain M; Marion; David K; Elaine; Nick; Ron; Reggie; Pete; Myfanwy; Hilary; Maureen.

Quote:                         “I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter” – Walt Disney

Grace:                          By Paul

Breakfast:

Recent Events:            Sue asked how did the Murder Mystery go?  Kathy reported that it went well.  Last year some people couldn’t understand what some of the international students were saying but this year they were well-rehearsed and much better.  Not sure yet how much money was raised, maybe £200 to £300?  General discussion among members about the possible impact of school closures.  Many boarders have already gone home.

What are people going to do if we’re all stuck at home?    Pippa predicted a baby boom in 9 months time!

Future Events:             Sue mentioned emails over the last couple of days from District, including the one last night.  All meetings will be cancelled from today at least for the next two months.  This includes breakfast meetings and the evening meeting on 26^th March (including the Minster raid).  Lesley will be asked to keep in touch with the Golf club here about our future plans ie when we can resume normal meetings.  In the meantime, all members and the club officers will keep in touch by email.  Likewise, cancel the evening meeting in May.

Regarding the Barn Dance, we have paid a deposit for the venue, and we should try to keep the event alive, perhaps by delaying it until September.  Decision at the end of April.  Sue will contact the band to see if we can carry our deposit over and re-book them later.

Sue and Pat’s Skydive.  This isn’t a group meeting so maybe it can go ahead?  Sue will contact them. If not they both intend to do it when possible (as long as they aren’t too old!!) so will continue to ask for support for the Charities.

Charity Golf Day.  This isn’t until September, so we have a long time before we need to decide.  David M said that people are still out on the golf course playing – because of course you can keep a distance.  Make a decision later.

Walpole Bay lunch.  Nick to be asked to communicate with them.  Nick should also check with the 1940’s House about our projected visit.

TWAM.  We need to know if the project are still accepting donations before we collect a load of tools.  Andrew M to enquire?

Walk4Water isn’t going ahead tomorrow.  It depends on what the schools are planning and when they will re-open. Swalecliffe School have already done a Charity walk and the profits are to be split between W4W and the Australian Koala Charity.  Hopefully some other schools may have done a collection. Ironically we have just heard that we have received the Foundation Grant.

Car Parking.  Godfrey said that our next due date is 23^rd May, a long way ahead.  So, we can decide about this later; it is something we do out in the open, after all.  We won’t take on any vacated dates ‘though.  Godfrey will keep in touch with the school.

Community Support.  Sue has had a message from a Chestfield Resident esident asking if we are planning on doing anything to support the local community?  There are other groups already offering support, including Red Zebra, and our members could volunteer through these.  David M said that he has offered to co-ordinate offers of help to the Parish Council.  It was suggested that after the crisis is over we as a club could host a ‘Thank You’ meeting to people locally who are known to the parish council; this could be very good for us as a club.  Sue circulated some printed cards which members post through neighbour’s doors offering assistance if they felt able.

On-going Communication.  Suggested that the Board meet together at the end of April to decide on future meetings and events, and communicate to club members.  Agreed this will be on Thursday 30^th April.

Any Other Business:               Sue confirmed that District has cancelled PET training for future presidents.  This won’t affect our arrangements for the presidency at Chestfield after July since our rotating presidents have all done this in the past. There will however be an online presentation which Sue felt might be useful for Lesley to see as she is our Vice President for the coming year.

Date of next Meeting:                         To be advised after the Board meeting on 30^th April, above. Sue will post a statement on Facebook explaining what we as a Charitable Club will, where we can, help the Community and in line with Government instruction not meet for the foreseeable future .