Another New member welcomed

Santa took time out of his busy and hectic schedule to come and welcome Hucknall Rotary Club’s newest member , Ann Marie Topham.  Ann Marie became the second female member of the club and the third new member in the last six months.  Mrs Topham runs her own Travel Counsellor business .  A Travel Counsellor offers a more personal approach than a Travel Agent . 

Describing her work, Ann Marie says, “ This is a good explanation of what I can arrange. I have so many things that you wouldn’t even dream of. Tropical destinations-  cruise/ safari - to a caravan in Skegness. Each of my customers who soon become friends are treated the same regardless of how much they spend. As I am self-employed I have no targets to hit, or attracted to any tour operator, which means I give my customers what they  want, rather than what needs selling. I specialise in honeymoons & weddings abroad ….I am like a passport my customers/friends can take me where ever they go, knowing that I am only a call or email away regardless where in the world they are. I work from home, so I am able to speak to you when it’s convenient for you. When the kids have gone to bed or when Coronation Street has finished.  You will find me on Facebook   Ann Marie Topham - Travel Counsellors, UK and customer feedback at   www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/annmarie.topham.  

As part of her work, Ann Marie runs a free travel club and invites anyone reading to get in touch and she will happily add you to the club so that you can receive great offers.

In welcoming Ann Marie Topham as a member of Hucknall Rotary Club, the club’s president Ian Young said, “Ann Marie joins us at the busiest time of the club’s calendar and has already got fully involved helping out on Santa’s Sleigh and joining in with our community festive activities.  It’s a real pleasure to have her join us.”

The Rotary Club would be pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining and can be contacted either via their Facebook page www.facebook.com/HucknallRC , Twitter account @HucknallRC or by contacting the Membership Chairman Ivan Manning on 07961520196.

Inspirational Teenage Speaker

Inspirational Hucknall teenage Ben Stewart was the latest guest speaker at Hucknall Rotary Club.  Ben had been part of a team organised by Nottingham Youth for Christ who headed out to Andhra Pradesh, India in August 2013 giving aid in some of the poorest communities.

Ben thanked the Rotarians for their support and donation towards the trip, but Hucknall President Ian Young, said really that it was Rotarians who should be thanking Ben because of the huge difference he had made during the 10 days spent in India. 

The visit had been life-changing for Ben and had given him a passion to do all he can to make life better.  Ben spent time in Leper colonies among the Dalit community who are India’s poorest citizens and treated as outcasts.  They gave out food, clothes, materials and medicine.  Ben was particularly moved by the people he met who saw their visit as a sign that someone from the western world actually cared about their plight.  They were even asked to name a new-born baby because the family believed that they would receive good luck as a result.  The group named the baby Esther because in the Bible, Esther was born into poverty and yet, managed to escape those conditions and became a Queen.  

Remember, remember the 5th of November

It was a real privilege being asked by Theodora Children’s Trust to attend a reception being held at the House of Lords in their honour.

The Host for the reception was the Lord Speaker who welcomed the invited guests into the River Rooms at the House of Lords.  Baroness D’ Souza (the Lord Speaker) explained that the River Room was historically part of the Lord Chancellors residence within the Lords and now it’s official role was the sitting room for the Lord Speaker.   The Lord Speaker chairs the daily business in the Lords and took time out of a hectic schedule to pay tribute to the great work done by Theodora Children’s Trust.

 Prior to meeting us in the River Room, she had addressed the President of the Republic of Korea  (whose motorcade was leaving as I arrived at Parliament ) , Baroness D’Souza apologised that she had to leave to attend another function and bid farewell.   The next speaker, Baroness Thornton who has supported Theodora Children’s Trust since its early days in the UK,  informed us that the function that the Lord Speaker was rushing off to was dinner with the Queen. 

Dr Wonderpants then made reference to making her maiden speech in the House of Lords and again reminded us all as to why we support and want to help this fantastic charity. 

When I left the Lords, Parliament Square was full of protesters and police with the protesters trying to make some sort of connection with Guy Fawkes (it was 5^th November) although later at Victoria Station  I overheard a group of placard-carrying youngsters “I don’t really know who Guy Fawkes was, I think he tried to destroy Parliament or something….”  

Fright Hike

Hucknall Rotary Club’s team managed to complete the Fright Hike challenge was to complete the 18 mile route in under six hours raising over £ 1,000 for Theodora Children’s Trust charity.  Just after  at 4pm, the team left the Starting point at Sherwood Pines Country Park and hiked their way through the falling darkness and around the circuit that including Sherwood Pines, Clipstone Forest,  Bilsthorpe, Cutts Wood, Rufford Country Park and Centre Parcs Holiday Village

It was a lot tougher than I’ d envisaged and we all had to dig in deep to find the strength and determination for this gruelling challenge.  Without the support and encouragement of every team member, I’m not sure that I would have made it.   Meeting this challenge was a great effect in teamwork, sometime which Hucknall Rotary Club excels at.

The Fright Hike was superbly organised by Global Adventure Challenges.  Instructions were given with great clarity and every participant was fully aware of the safety procedures should they need them. 

Each entrant was issued with a route map, however the route was marked so well with directional arrows and glow sticks that  the Hucknall team didn’t need to consult their maps once. 

Its still not to late to sponsor the team and support Theodora Children’s Trust.   Please visit our Just Giving page and support a worth- while charity.

http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-Young17

Our 87th Charter Anniversary Celebrations

On the night (Tuesday 15^th October) that English football fans were celebrating qualification for the World Cup Finals, Hucknall Rotary Club were also partying but for a different reason: it was the occasion of the club’s 87^th birthday party following their formation in 1926.

Among the distinguished guests attending were Deputy Chair of Ashfield District Council  Cllr. Mrs  Elizabeth Mays, Rotary’s District  Governor Peter Moralee and Hucknall’s Inner Wheel President Carolyn Ward.

Guests enjoyed a superb five course meal at the Hostess Restaurent, Sookholme and  then  listened to the principal speaker, Helen Jones of Theodora Children’s Trust as she metamorphosed into her alter ego, Dr Flora Flowerpot.    Theodora Children's Trust brings fun and laughter to children in hospital through visits from Giggle Doctors; professional artists trained to work in hospital. They visit 60,000 children per year, bringing moments of joy to both patients and their families during often very distressing times.  DR Flowerpot is one of only 22 Giggle Doctors in the UK and the only one based in Nottinghamshire.

A team of Hucknall Rotarians including Club President Ian Young are raising money for Theodora Children;s Trust by tackling the Fright Hike 2013 -The charity challenge walk that’s set to be a scream!

The Fright Hike is a challenging 30 km , (18 miles)  Halloween trek through the spookiest of wooded locations,  Sherwood Forest. The challenge is to complete the course within 6 hours...!!

You can support Theodora Children’s Trust and Hucknall Rotary Club by sponsporing their efforts via their Just Giving Page:

http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-Young17

Stroke Awareness and Gents Health Check

In conjunction with this years ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign , the Rotary Club of Hucknall , held their annual Stroke Awareness morning encouraging people to have a Blood Pressure test.  Any high readings are advised to seek an immediate consultation with their GP and over 10% of those tested were referred on.

The 'silent killer', hypertension, is responsible for strokes and heart attacks and the best way to avoid these unfortunate life-changing experiences is to have regular checks.  Many people fail to do so and the annual Rotary stroke awareness day, held at the Central Methodist Church on Baker Street on Saturday 21^st September  gives them a reminder.  There was also advice available on general Men’s health as men are always reluctant to seek medical guidance.

Volunteers from Rotary and the now-defunct Hucknall and Linby St John Ambulance Brigade were kept busy throughout the two-hour session doing the blood-pressure checks. 

Colleagues served tea and coffee and sold cakes and savouries for the visitors to enjoy. Other attractions included white elephant and book stalls, which helped to make the event an enjoyable as well as an essential experience.

When a stroke strikes act F.A.S.T.:
Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999 for an ambulance if you spot any one of these signs.

Southwell's Charter

In a departure from their usual setting, Southwell Rotary Club moved to Kelham Home for their latest Charter celebration.  Another departure from tradition saw the Senior Vice President use his moment set aside to toast Rotary International as the moments to humorously compare his club members to the cast of Dad;s Army .

The evenings speaker was Stuart Townend, a Physi. Nurse whose subject title was 'Delusion' and introduced his listeners to the case of James Tilly Matthew - apparently the case on which all mental illnesses are now judged.

Hook, Line and Sinker

Last year, when Hucknall Rotary Club held their annual fishing match I was a spectator.  This year I decided to cast out my line.  I had never fished before so was grateful  for the loan of rods and the quick tuition from Mel Stanley and Dave Spencer.  I also didn't realise that a fishing match takes 6 hours!!

You need a lot of patience to fish.  Mind you, it seemed to take me about four hours to get the hang of casting off so I made the most of practicing.

Nothing bit for me, but there's always next year.  Last year's winner Mel Stanley presented the trophy to this year's winner Glen Hennessey.  Well done Glen!

Firestarter

Firestarter

A fascinating glimpse into the causes of fire was given when Watch Manager Dave Coss of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service visited Hucknall Rotary Club as the latest guest speaker.

Dave commented how nice it was to be invited to such a jovial gathering where he had been made  to feel extremely welcomed and told of when accepting similar invitations to talk with other groups he had often been met with stoney-faced audiences that never expressed any warmth.

Dave began by relating the following true story which I’ve reproduced here in full as its well worth another mention:

Only in America - Strange Story but True Story of the Cigars

A man from Charlotte, North Carolina, having purchased a case of very expensive cigars, insured them against, among other things, fire. Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile, the man filed a claim against the insurance company, stating that the cigars were lost 'in a series of small fires'.

The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion. The man sued - and won.

In delivering the ruling the judge, agreeing that the claim was frivolous, stated nevertheless that the man held a policy from the company in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure against fire, without defining what it considered to be 'unacceptable fire' , and was obliged to pay the claim. Rather than endure a lengthy and costly appeal the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid the man $15,000 for the rare cigars he had lost 'in the fires'.

After he cashed the cheque, however, the company had him arrested on 24 counts of arson. With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case being used against him, the man was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000 fine.

A good humourous story to introduce a serious topic.  Dave is part of the Fire Investigation Team, and along with his dog Freckles, is deployed all over the 5 counties of the East Midlands to determine the cause of fires.  Dave and his dog is 1 of only 13 such teams in the whole country.  There is no middle ground as far as fire is concerned, an incident is either accidental or deliberate.  Part of the role of Dave and his team is to establish from the fire scene whether the cause was accidental or deliberate.  Should they discover a crime, the fire scene then becomes a crime scene which the Police force take over the full investigation but usually re-engage the Fire Investigation Team for their skills and experience in that field.

Dave has attended over 1,400 incidents since 2004, taken part in 115 fatal fire investigations and helped to secure over 100 convictions including 8 life sentences for the evidence that the Fire Investigation Team has discovered.

The dogs are trained by South Yorkshire Police and tested for ongoing suitability for the role every year.  They are equipped with special boots to protect them from any dangerous debris at the fire scene and are trained to find any inflammable liquid in 1) In its unburnt state 2) Partial burnt state and 3) Fully burnt state.  Dogs used in detection work are all trained along similar methods, but depending of the type of work they undertake, the way in which the dog indicates a ‘find’ differs.   The method used by the dogs involved in Fire Investigation is Passive indication where they point to the discovery with their nose.

Dave illustrated his talk with examples of some of the historic cases he had been involved with, explaining how the dog initially made the discovery and the subsequent evidence that then came to light.

On behalf of members, Rotarian Stuart Whitehead (who had invited Dave along) thank WM Dave Coss for an excellent and informative presentation.

Alfreton Charter

Last year I reported on the first charter I attended as Hucknall’s President being our Daughter club, Alfreton.  Charter Dinners can be quite traditional events and the first charter I attended was as a second term President, was of course, Alfreton’s.  Same venue, same menu, even the same speaker, the entertaining Sheila Dibnah, although she spoke on life before Fred this time!

It was Alfreton’s 75^th Charter which they received in 1938 from District Chairman (and member of Hucknall), Henry Morley.  District Governor Peter Moralee commented on the similar-sounding surname.  I must enlighten him about dear old Henry one day!

During the course of last year, I became good friends with Alfreton’s president, Colin Fox, and we have subsequently worked together on District 1220’s Visioning team.  This year, Alfreton don’t have one president, they have three past presidents looking after the club for four months each.

During the roll call, I was addressed as Immediate Past President and so, as I brought greetings to President Keith, I commented that not only was I Immediate Past President I was also President for another year so I wasn’t sure what that made me.  One wag quickly piped up, “A Fool”.

A great night was had, the company was superb and Sheila Dibnah once again proved a very capable and entertaining speaker.

Another New Member welcomed at @HucknallRC

Phil Hibbard, a Strategic Accounts Manager, is the latest new member to be welcomed by the Rotary Club of Hucknall on Tuesday 22^nd August.  Phil is the second new Rotarian to be inducted in a number of weeks and the club look forward to many more joining.  If you are interested in Rotary or joining Rotary, please contact our membership co-ordinator Ivan Manning on 0115 955 9817 or contact the club via Twitter or Facebook @HucknallRC.

Several club sporting events had taken place through the month and members Stuart Whitehead and Glen Hennessey were acknowledged for their victories in the Lawn Bowls and Par 3 Golf competitions respectively.

Stuart was the latest recipient of the Mark Brinklow Memorial Rosebowl and Glen received a new Golf Trophy which had been kindly donated to the Club.

At the same meeting, members were addressed by Mr.Doug Hird, Training Manager of Nottingham and District Citizens Advice Bureau.  Mr HIrd gave a descriptive account of the development of CAB as an organisation.  Although part of the umbrella organisation, each branch of CAB is actually an independent charity and self-reliant on procuring funds to continue operations.  The CAB movement was launched the day after the declaration which commenced the Second World War and has become an integral part of British society.

CAB and Rotary share similar ideals, both organisations are mainly concerned with ‘changing lives’ and ‘service above self.’  CAB advisors are there to empower their clients.  The service they provide is Free, Confidential, Impartial and Independent.  Clients coming to CAB are NOT told how to play the system, but rather informed of their rights and responsibilities which should enable them to make an informed decision on the issue in hand.

President Ian Young gave the vote of thanks and, on behalf of Hucknall Rotary Club, made a donation of £ 600 to the work of Nottingham and District Citizens Advice Bureau.

Photograph.  Phil Hibbard (left) is welcomed as a Rotarian by President Ian Young

Sherwood Sunrisers Club Visioning

The RC of Sherwood Sunrisers usually meets at 7am but decided on an evening session for their Club visioning event.  There was a bit of good natured banter flying around about meeting at night past their bedtime etc.

On my short journey to the venue, torrential rain descended.  So much fell within minutes that some roads became impassable.  One road was the bottom point of a suburban valley  and water was flowing down it more akin to a river.  Dustbins and Roadwork signs were floating downstream.  With caution, cars were passing across it and so I also risked it.  Not far from the junction, one car was stranded and it's passengers were climbing out onto its roof.

I arrived at the venue and opposite, in a pub car park, the water was up to window level.  I understand that people were trapped in the pub by the water.

Despite this, everyone expected at the Club Visioning session made it - all with a story to tell after battling through those conditions.

District Governor Nominee Rodger Summers led the Facilitation and the feedback from the Sunrisers said that it was a valuable and worthwhile exercise.

Hope Lea's Garden Party

Hope Lea House in Hucknall is an amazing project that offers practical support to vulnerable people and people with learning difficulties.  Our Rotary Club have supported them for many years, we even helped construct part of the building some years ago.

Saturday was their annual Garden Party fund-raiser and what a great event it was.  PP Terry Moult organised the putting-up of gazebo's just in case it rained.  However, the shelter was most welcome from the heat of the sun.

Citizens of the Year

It was my privilege to present the club's 'Citizen of the Year' award at our latest meeting.  We'd invited the recipients along to the meeting as our guests but hadn't divulged the accolade we where to bestow upon them.

I felt a  little like the late Eamonn Andrews with his famous big red book when I declared to our guests, Eric and Doreen Allcock that we'd invited them along under false pretenses and that the real purpose of their invitation was to present to them our 'Citizen of the Year' award in recognition of their tremendous and self-less devotion to service in our local community through the Hucknall & Linby branch of the St John’s Ambulance organisation.

Eric’s involvement began in 1964 when he was assigned to St. Johns for training whilst commencing work at Linby Pit.  The following year, he travelled to London, and was on duty for St John’s at the State Funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.  It was also through the St John’s organisation that Eric and Doreen met.  Together, they spearheaded a successful appeal to raise £ 50,000 to fund an ambulance for the Hucknall & Linby branch and have been on duty whenever a local event or activity has needed the first aid services of St. Johns.

Visit to RC of Derby

The Rotary Club of Derby is one of England's 'oldest' clubs being chartered in 1918 and its a club who, although may be older in years, are always keen to explore and embrace new methods for the greater good of Rotary.

I was invited along by Immediate Past President Tim Wherly to speak to the club about social media and how it can be used for Rotary.

I was very warmly received and encouraged by the interest shown in the subject.  The club meet in the County Cricket Club grounds and a match was in progress as we held our meeting.

Byron Festival's Heritage Day

My interest in history has extended to researching and trying to collate the clubs history and archives.  I have been surprised to discover all manner of things at the bottom of cupboards and hidden away forgotten in garages.

As a result of some of my research, I had been invited to have a Display at the Heritage Day which is linked to an annual festival which celebrates Hucknall's most famous son, the poet Lord Byron.

Cheekily, I advertised that I would be displaying some of the clubs artifacts - no truth in the rumour that I was referring to some of our older members of course.

Every Can Helps

As part of Tesco's partnership with Trussell Trust and FareShare,   the second National Food Collection to help feed people in need was held over the weekend of the 5 and 6 July.

In 2012, FareShare redistributed enough food for 10 million meals. This food was delivered to more than 900 charities, helping to feed 43,700 people each day. That’s 7,200 more people per day than in 2011. And last year almost 350,000 people turned to Trussell Trust foodbanks for help. That was almost three times the number who received food aid in the previous year and 100,000 more than anticipated.

Tesco are making donations go even further by topping it up by 30%.* #EveryCanHelps

In Hucknall, Tesco manager Joanne Shanks approached the Rotary Club because she wanted to support local projects as well and saw Rotary as the people to facilitate.  We were not only able to help in collecting, but were able to link Tesco's with Hucknall's Engage project.  The Engage project is run by the local churches and delivers 125-150 food parcels to needy families a month.

Portland College Awards Day

It was a huge honour to be invited along with Past President Peter Pickering to Portland College's Awards Day.  Our club have had links with the College for many years and the College represented Hucknall Rotary Club with great distinction at the English National Disability Sport Team Championships http://www.rotarydisabledsports.org.uk/   being crowned 2012 Championship.

For this which has been described as "the greatest sporting achievement in Portland's history", the team won the College's 'Harrison Trophy for Outstanding Achievement' .  For the first time, we sponsored a trophy for 'Sports Person of the Year' and this was won by Mitchell Gosling who was a key member of the team that represented Hucknall Rotary Club.   Another member of our successful team, Jack Soyer, won the Walter Laughton Memorial Trophy for Student of the Year.

The awards were presented by polar explorer Fiona Thornewill MBE who also gave a brief talk on how she when from being an average school student to becoming the first British woman to walk to the South Pole (2000), and in 2001 the first British lady to walk to the North Pole.  In 2004, she became the first British woman to ski solo and unsupported 700 miles to South Pole, breaking the world record for being the fastest man or woman to ever make the journey in only 41 days.