Good Friday 2013

At Rotary meetings, subjects that could cause strong opinionated discussion and division such as religion and politics, are forbidden.  Rotary seeks to bring peace and harmony and greater understanding between all citizens of the world.  

However, Rotary is fully respectful of an individuals beliefs, values and views and will provide 'Service above  Self,' whenever needed.    Today is Good Friday in the Christian Church.  In many English towns, the churches unite together for a shared act of worship.  Some communities, including Hucknall, then partake in a silent march of witness through the streets of their town usually with someone at the head of the procession carrying a large wooden cross to give a visual impression of the meaning of Good Friday.

In the past, on Good Friday, shops were closed and to process on the main roads was safety because of the lack of traffic.  Today, with shops remaining open on Good Friday,  the roads are just as hectic and chaotic as any other day.  Such processions can still take place as long as the local authorities are notified and organizers provide adequate road marshals/stewards and traffic control.

This seems to be something that members of Hucknall Rotary Club have become vastly experienced at, for when such Road marshalls/stewards are required, we seem to get the call.  As well as fulfilling this role on Christmas Carnival night, we have also carried out this duty for the Churches March of Witness.

The March is a circular walk leaving Hucknall Market Place after a short service in St Mary's Church, walking along the High Street, Watnall Road, Beardall Street, Duke Street and back along the High Street to the Market Place.  Upon reaching the Market Place, the procession movingly sang the Hymn , 'When I survey the wondrous Cross,' before disbursing.

Visiting West Ashfield Rotary

At the invitation of Assistant Governor Chris Elkin who is a member of the Rotary Club of West Ashfield, I attended and spoke at their meeting.  Chris haven't shared with his fellow Rotarians the subject of my discourse.  It was just as well that none of the West Ashfield club are frequent users of social media otherwise they would have read of what I had up my sleeve!  Had they seen facebook or twitter, the rabbit would have been out of the hat!

I've dropped a few clues in this blog already  so you have probably worked it out, but the club had little idea until I  was introduced.   I first told them of all the mundane subjects I could have addressed them on, but had chosen not to.   Then I reached into my bag of tricks and (hopefully) brought laughter and fun to the meeting by performing my brand of magic.

President Peter and the club were very hospitable and I hope they enjoyed the evening as much as I did.  Thank you West Ashfield, it was a great night!

Warsop, Shirebrook and District 43rd Charter

The superb facilities of the Hostess Restaurant was the venue for the latest club charter in this Rotary year.  It was 'home' ground for the Rotary Club of Warsop, Shirebrook and District.  Once again, the menu options were excellent and very few places can exceed the quality of the service given by the staff of the Hostess.

After all the formalities, we were entertained by the comic impressionist Christopher Gee.  Chris had been delayed on the M1 motorway, but that did not detract from his performance.  Having crafted his trade since originally appearing on TV's 'Opportunity Knocks', Chris delivered a thoroughly entertaining routine that had everyone present roaring with laughter.   More details about Christopher Gee can be found here:

http://www.christopher-gee.com/

Building communities and bridging Continents

During the Rotary year of 2010/11 the international Rotary theme was ‘Building communities and bridging continents.’  The then District Governor of District 1220 (East Midlands, UK) Val Leivers had already been involved in numerous projects providing welfare to India and entered into a joint Rotary project with Rotary District 3150 India to build a Rotary village in Andhra Pradesh as a good example of this theme. 

Val encouraged every one of the 60 clubs in the district (including Hucknall) to fund the building of a house.  We are pleased to say that we rose to the challenge as did many Rotary clubs and other groups including the Inner Wheel Club of Hucknall.

Val and her husband Terry have just returned back from Andhra Pradesh where they have overseen the building project.  To date, 75 houses are now complete and another 35+ are waiting to be built.  This is a tremendous project driven by Val who was recently awarded the prestigious “Service above Self” Rotary Award.

The photographs above are the family house that the Rotary Club of Hucknall provided in Thimmapur Village, Bhongir, near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The Inner Wheel

The latest function I attended was the 43rd Charter Anniversary of the Inner Wheel Club of Hucknall.  President Nova Haskey kindly invited me along and I joined in sharing the occasion along with her members and guests. Following the successful formation of Rotary, the wives of Rotarians wanted to serve the community in a similar way and so in 1923 a group of ladies gathered together in Manchester and by the following year, The Inner Wheel Club of Manchester was up and running.   The Inner Wheel badge is a rotary wheel with a smaller cog inside it - the inner wheel which helps the big wheel turn.   Certainly this is true of Hucknall, without the mutual support of both organisations, a lot of projects would not get done.

We were served a lovely meal at the Tee House, Leen Valley Golf Club, Hucknall.   Two power cuts interrupted the meal,  and made it feel like we were eating in shifts.   What should have been a lovely Spring afternoon was more like winter and everyone battled the snow to get there.   The arrangements that members of the Inner Wheel had made for their charter was excellent and Pat Hall  from Ashbourne was the delightful speaker who entertained us with her jokes and poems.

Age is no barrier to membership

The public perception of Rotarians is a group of business people approaching retirement if not already entered.  The logic then follows that you have to be of a more senior  age to join.  Hucknall Rotary Club is leading the way in breaking down this misunderstand.  

President Ian Young (45) is currently the youngest club president in the East Midlands Rotary district, even then he’s not the youngest president in the history of the Rotary Club of Hucknall.  The youngest member of the club is 29 year old Stephen Haywood.  Stephen joined Rotarian last years and is making a valuable contribution to the community through Hucknall Rotary Club.  Stephen readily credits Rotary for helping to increase his confidence in business networking.

Rtn Stephen Haywood

Stephen, along with his twin brother Andrew, are involved in the running of The Thursday Club in Hucknall.  The Thursday Club, which has received the Best Community Group Award by Ashfield District Council, offers help and support to adults and children with special needs.  

In recognition of their volunteering work with the Thursday Club, Andrew Haywood was nominated to be one of the official 2012 Olympic Torch Relay bearers.  At the invitation of his twin brother, Andrew came along to the latest meeting of Hucknall Rotary Club and spoke about how he was nominated, his experience of the day in carrying the torch, and how afterwards he has been invited to show the torch to many people and groups . 

Andrew Haywood with President-Elect Alan Newton

Meet the RIBI President-Elect 2013-14

The principal speaker at the Rotary Club of Matlock’s 85^th Charter Anniversary, held at St Elphins Retirement Village was President-Elect 2013-14 of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland Nan McCreadie.  97 Rotarians and guests packed into the dining hall  experiencing close rotary fellowship in the truest sense!

Nan McCreadie spoke of her background, her journey within Rotary and outlined some of her vision for her year in office.  In becoming RIBI President, Nan will be creating history by being the first woman to hold this prestigious office, and  Nan will be the first woman worldwide to hold a major Rotary International position.

Nan joined Rotary in May 1997 and belongs to the Rotary Club of Feltham.  She was born and brought up in Scotland, educated at Ayr Academy, moving to London when she was 18 to work for BOAC as a management apprentice. Gained vital experience in various departments of the airline before going into aviation security department when Nan eventually became  Founding Partner  of Asgard Security Management Services. 

To conclude her speech, Nan quoted Rotary Founder Paul Harris:

“The power of Rotary in invisible and yet it performs miracles.”

RC of Carlton's 36th Charter Anniversary Dinner

The latest Charter I attended was the RC of Carlton’s 36^th Charter Anniversary Dinner held at the delightful venue of Woodborough Hall.  Woodborough Hall is an exquisite Grade II listed Hall and a  place of tranquillity and charm, lovingly restored to its former glory.

Woodborough Hall is steeped in history. There are records of a hall being on the current grounds dating all the way back to 1086.  The present building was built in 1660 and subsequently a Mansfield Parkyns bought the Hall in 1852 and incorporated some exceptional changes to start its latter day restoration. 

The after-dinner speaker was Comedian Ian Richards.   www.ianrichards.co.uk/

Ian is a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats and has made over 500 appearances for the British Armed Forces starting his four decade career in entertainment in the clubs, appearing in Summer Seasons all around the UK and taking his brand of comedy all round the world.

The routine was fresh and most suitable for a gathering of Rotarians.  I couldn’t but help to laugh and the jokes and gags told by Ian made it a memorable night.

33rd Annual Foundation Link Evening

Ambassadorial Scholarships (founded 1947) is the oldest program of the Rotary Foundation and probably the best-known. Since 1947, nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. Nearly 800 scholarships were awarded for study in 2005-2006. Through grants totaling approximately $500 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.

The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship programme ends this year. Beginning in 2013-14, The Rotary Foundation will continue to offer scholarship opportunities through  a new grant structure which promises to give Rotarians greater flexibility in sponsoring the next generation of leaders. 

Each year, our District has held a Foundation Link evening ‘linking’ Ambassadorial Scholars with Rotary clubs where scholars (past and present) give a presentation of their experiences and personal development to those who gather for the occasion.  This years event, which was District’s 1220  33^rd Annual Foundation Link Evening at Mansfield Civic Centre was perhaps, the last of a kind due to  the change taking place regarding Rotary scholarships.

A surprise inclusion into the evenings programme was the presentation of Rotary International’s ‘Service above Self’ award to Past District Governor Val Leivers.  Val is an inspiration Rotarian, who along with her husband Terry, has truly upholds Rotary values. 

This is the highest honour within Rotary  and as Rotary’s highest honour for individual Rotarians, this award recognizes up to 150 Rotarians annually who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary.

With the changes that are taking place within the structures of Rotary Foundation, all past District Foundation Chairs were mentioned and tribute was paid to their grand effects.

PDG Val with her Service above Self  award

District 1220 Foundation Chairmen 1979-2013

Rotary scholars past and present with Colin Slater MBE

The main part of the programme was BBC reporter (and honourary Rotarian) Colin Slater MBE interviewing Rotary scholars past and present.

Kirkby in Ashfield's 66th Charter

One of the most enjoyable Rotary charters I have attended this year was Kirkby’s charter which took place on Tuesday 12^th March 2013.  

This was due to the venue being the excellent Hostess Restaurant, Sookholme and musical entertainment being provided by Newstead Welfare Brass Band.  Being something of a brass enthusiast myself,  the Band lived up to expectation but more of that later.

There were three Rotarians attending the charter from my club (Hucknall), Past District Governor Brian Darlison, Past District Governor Neil Sharman and myself.  I was clearly the odd one out  - I’m the only one without a moustache!  The person who liken us to Foggy, Compo and Clegg from ‘The Last of the Summer Wine’ shall remain nameless.

Prior to the meal, I was introduced to Past RIBI President Jim Moulson 2010-11 who was also attending the charter.

As always, the Hostess Restaurant offered a superb choice of menu and the service was first class.  Members of the Kirkby club ‘sang’ their greetings to their president, Mike Lee using the tune, ‘Micheal, Row the Boat Ashore.’  This ditty humorously acknowledged President Mike’s role in steering the club through turbulent waters.   

Also attending the charter was founder member of the Kirkby club, 93 year old Gordon Sugg. Gordon has attended all 66 of Kirkby’s Charters and was determined not to miss this one.  This must be a record within Rotary International. 

During the formal toasts, District Governor Dave Ashley presented club president Mike Lee with the Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest honour within Rotary. 

Newstead Welfare Brass  Band of the Championship Section then took the stage.  Newstead Band are one of the elite Brass Bands in the United Kingdom and played a programme that appealed to the gathering.

This was their ‘set’:

Quickstep March  ‘Jubilee’ by Paul Drury featuring the Salvation Army tune ‘I love him better every day’

Tenor Horn Solo ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’

‘In the Mood’  by Glen Miller

Flugel Horn Solo   Rodrigo’ Concierto de Aranjuez

‘Mr Blue Sky’

Cornet Solo ‘Stars’ from Les Mis

‘Libertango’

‘William Tell Overture’

‘Theme from Hawaii Five O’

The latest CD recording can be purchased here:

 http://www.newsteadband.co.uk/buy.html

President Mike of Kirkby with DG Dave 

Cllr. Ken & Janice Knight, Chairman of Ashfield District Council

Kirby rotarians singing their greetings

Past RIBI President Jim Moulson, Myself & Past DG Brian Darlison

Newstead Welfare Brass Band

Sponsored Swimarathon

For over 45 years, Hucknall Rotary Club have organised a Sponsored Swim event for local community and youth groups inviting them to participate and raise funds.  At the most recent annual Swimarathon, 42 swimmers representing 9 different groups entered the water raising over £ 1,000 for their causes.  This included 14 year old Victoria Widdowson of 8^th Hucknall Guides who swam over 128 lengths of the 25 metre pool at Hucknall Leisure Centre which equates to 2 miles in under 2 hours.  

Everyone had great fun, really enjoying the afternoon.  I entered the water to swim and discovered just why I said that I would try and practice beforehand.  The chap swimming in the same lane as me completed 86 lengths.  It felt like I only managed 86 steps!!!  My excuse is that I have only recently learnt to swim.

You can follow our club on Twitter and Facebook  for more information   www.facebook.com/HucknallRC   @HucknallRC 

The Rotary Foundation

Rotarians are renowned for raising money and supporting local charities, but very few people realise that Rotary has its own charitable organisation which is supported by friends and Rotarians.  Known as The Rotary Foundation, its aims is to support the efforts of Rotary International in achieving world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programmes.

The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world." It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 only to more than US$55 million.

As aspect of the Rotary Foundation that has received public support and recognition is the Polio Plus programme. 

Since the PolioPlus program’s inception in 1985 more than two billion children have received oral polio vaccine. To date, 209 countries, territories and areas around the world are polio-free. As of January 2012, India was declared polio free for the first time in history, leaving just Pakistan, Nigeria and Aghanistan with endemic polio.  As of June 2011, Rotary has committed more than US$850 million  to global polio eradication. Rotary has received $355 million in challenge grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Rotary committed to raising $200 million by June 30, 2012 and met that goal by January 2012. This represents another $555 million toward polio eradication. 

Various progammes within Rotary Foundation also exist for humanitarian sustainable  and educational programmes that promote peace and world understanding.

Men's Health Matters

Hucknall resident, Professor John McLuskey, was the latest guest speaker at the weekly Tuesday night meeting of Hucknall Rotary Club held at the Horse & Groom Pub, Linby.

John is an Associate Professor in the faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham.  John has been a nurse for over 26 years, and it was while training as a nurse John realised that there was an imbalance in the way men’s health is viewed and he decided to try and address the issues that were being neglected.

Men’s health is unnecessarily poor.  40 % of men still die prematurely.  Men also visit their GP 20% less frequently than women and are also much less likely to use pharmacy, smoking cessation, weight management and health trainer services.  75% of suicide victims are male and men are 60% more likely to develop cancer and are 70 more likely to die from the disease.

John spoke about the way in which he, along with other medical academics, were trying to raise greater awareness about the well-being of men.  The Men’s Health Forum UK have produced several books and numerous leaflets in the same style as the Haynes Car Manuals dealing with male issues.  This literature is designed to appeal to men and is available in the same outlets as the car manuals. 

Men usually treat their health in the same way they approach most things, members learnt.  Male attitude is to give it a day or two to see if the problem sorts itself out because they would rather not bother the medical services.  John gave members of clear list of symptoms that would need immediate medical advice: chest pains, mole growth, deep depression, Urine changes/difficulties, Erectile Dysfunction, and blood in bowel movements.

To conclude the evening, John gave members a list of the top ten incredibly easy things to do to improve your health.  These were:

·         Read a book or two

·         Open a window

·         Play cards and do crosswords

·         Support a decent team

·         Work on your relationships

·         Sleep long and get up late

·         Go out in the sun

·         Walk

·         Sing

·         Drink Water

As an outcome of the evening, Hucknall Rotarians learnt that a Men’s Health Week is held every June and this year's Men's Health Week runs from the 10th to 16th June and aims to tackle stigma in men’s mental health and promote mental well-being and help-seeking in men.