President Elizabeth’s Diary November 2020:
This month I was nervous not knowing what to say to a Rotary International President. Keith invited Mark Maloney, the 2019-20 RI President to talk to us on the 10th November, but I need not have worried. President Mark was charming, affable and totally at ease being parachuted into our Portland Rotary Meeting. He spoke to us from New York, as he was visiting family there, although his home is Decatur, Alabama. He spoke for about an hour with questions and answers, but it seemed like only 20 minutes. Describing his year as RI President he travelled extensively; I was particularly impressed by the number and range of places he visited. He recounted one of his highlights, representing Rotary at the St Pauls Commonwealth Service in London. He was thrilled because all the major members of Royal family were present, “even Megan and Harry”, it was in fact their last formal event before a new life in North America.
2019-20 RI President Mark Maloney
This month we have sent donations, with the suspension of our monthly Table Top fund raising events of £100 to Julias House. A Rotary District grant of £500 went to the Portland Food Bank (dispatched as I write). I hope to get a photo of the presentation. We also had another attempt to secure the May 2020 Foundation Grant of £500 to the ICA. With match funding they have requested a TV, the screen is for placing centrally in the ICA office window in Easton. This screen will help be rolling presentation of advertisements for ICA services and events, and for a fee, will be used to advertise other Portland community events as well.
The President of Portland Rotary Club laid two wreaths at the annual Remembrance Day Services on Armistice Day: one at the Portland Cenotaph and one at the American Memorial. There were smaller gatherings than usual due to the pandemic restrictions. About 100 people attended the cenotaph service lead jointly by Reverend Gomm and the Portland Mayor Cllr Sandy West. Our Club donated £50 to the Royal British Legion. The Mayor sends us a donation and her thanks to Rotarians Liz and Steve Clark, Jo Way and Carolyn Humphreys for helping to ensure social distancing.
Portland Town Council also requested help to hang their solar powered lights around trees along the streets of Portland. A big thank you to Andrew and Jacquie Harvey, Jo Way and Carolyn Humphreys.
Despite so many Rotary Christmas events being cancelled this year, I am looking forward to the Club Zoom pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, on 1st December our next guest night. I hope to see you all there in fancy dress costume!
The District Governor Rory McDonnell sends his best wishes to us. He enjoyed the Mark Maloney talk and invites us all to a District Zoom Christmas Assembly party on 12 December at 6pm for an hour. He tells me the District Conference this year will be a Virtual event in February 2021.
Last, but not least we welcome Val McGowen as a new Rotary member. We look forward very much to getting to know you better Val and wish you a happy and fulfilling time with us, the Rotary Club of the Island and Royal Manor of Portland.
Keep Safe and Happy.
President Elizabeth
The Rotary Club of the Island and Royal Manor of Portland
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