Life with a Steeplejack

Last night marked the first Charter of the Rotary year in District 1220. Alfreton Club received their Charter in 1938 from District Chairman (and Hucknall Rotarian Henry Morley) and were founded with help from Huckall Rotary Club who are subsequently known as Alfreton’s Mother Club.  Hucknall Rotary Club also have another Daughter club, Ravenshead.  Ironically, Ravenshead’s Charter is the last one held in the Rotary season.

 

The 74^th Charter Anniversary of Alfreton was held at the Riddings Park Community Centre, West Street, Alfreton which was opened in 1992 by Diana, Princess of Wales.

 

The tradition at this Charter is that the meal grace is sung by all attending, rather than recited by a Rotarian.  Using the tune of ‘Duke Street’ which is associated with the hymn ‘Fight the good fight’  (no reflection on the shenanigans at any Charter!), we sang,

           






 

                        O Lord and Giver of all good,

                        We thank Thee for our daily food.

                        May Rotary friends and Rotary ways,

                        Help us to serve Thee all our days.

 

 

DG Dave Ashley, Sheila Dibnah and President Colin Fox (Alfreton)

 

 

 

After dinner and the formalities of the toasts, we were treated to an entertaining and humorous talk by Sheila Dibnah entitled . “Life with a Steeplejack.”  Shelia is the widow of the late Fred Dibnah MBE.  Fred was an eccentric English steeplejack who became a favourite television personality due to his charismatic Lancastrian manner and gentle, self-taught philosophical outlook which proved popular with viewers. 



Charter Programme autographed by Sheila Dibnah

 

Fred is still fondly remembered today and his memory and legacy lives on.  Fred’s Bolton home of 35 years now houses the Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre and is well worth a visit.

 

http://www.freddibnahheritagecentre.co.uk/