District Conference - Saturday

Although the conference was already underway, the first session contained the Rotary formalities.  The District Governor formally opened the conference and welcomed everyone to Southport.  The Mayor of the Borough of Sefton then spoke, us a good visit to Southport and it’s attractions.  Every conference commences with a message from Rotary International’s President, usually delivered by a designated officer of Rotary International.  Representing Rotary International was Lynne Deavin and we were honoured to have RIBI President John Minhinick attending, who then addressed the conference.

Ian Leech then took the stage telling his story of turning the despair of losing his daughter Mel into raising awareness and fundraising for the Lymphoma Association.  Ian had carried the Olympic torrch with him and I managed to have my pictured taken holding the torch.

The Next speaker was Neil Fritszche who spoke about his work with the UK International Search and Rescue Team.

After coffee break, came the highlight for many, Malcolm Wells MBE spoke and demonstrated the incredible work of Canine Partners.  We saw how dogs were trained to help severely disabled people maintain independence by lifting, fetching small items, by opening and closing door, by helping to remove clothing and by helping to shop.

 

This was ably followed by a presentation from Life Education – a project Rotary has been involved with for some time.   Various aspects of the work of the Rotary Foundation were then promoted through a Past Ambassadorial Scholar and GSE Team Member.  Outgoing Ambassadorial Scholar  Rob Avery-Phipps was already in China and sent a video presentation.

The District Governor’s Luncheon featured musical entertainment from Lily Taylor-Ward, an entrant in Ilkeston’s Got Talent and the speaker was the inspirational Dr Alison Mowbray.  Describing herself as a schooling sporting disaster, Alison vividly told how she began rowing at the age of 18, before achieving an Olympic silver medal in 2004.

While most Rotarians now faced a break before the evening’s entertainment, I had to make a quick dash back to the hotel, change into formal dress wear, return to the Conference Centre for the District Governor’s Reception for Club Presidents.  We were greeted by DG David Ashley and his wife Gail, had photographs taken, shared a glass of wine and then asked to leave the conference suite by staff.

Another quick dash was needed back to the hotel for our evening meal.  There were no taxi’s in the Taxi Rack, but my partner spotted a bus so we jumped on it, asking if it passed our hotel.  The driver said he did, so I reached into my pocket to pay the fare.  At this point, the driver informed us that he was a Park & Ride service.  As I made a move to disembark, the driver kindly offered to drop us off as he drove passed the hotel!

There was greater choice for this evening’s entertainment with the vocal group Cantata appearing on stage and  60’s combo Revival making their third consecutive appearance at the Conference.   In a smaller setting, the excellent JD & the Impressions and Lily Taylor-Ward created a nightclub party atmosphere.  All acts contributing to a successful day.