Monday 13 December 2010 - Off to India!

Today we leave for Hyderabad to spend some time with our friends in India and visit our project sites.

I hope to be able to lay the symbolic first stone on Christmas Day for the village which we are building. We will finalise the arrangements now that we have some funds in the bank and work should begin soon.

Terry is hoping to meet his beloved children again at the AIDS orphanage in Hanamkonda but this will depend on his health after the flight.
He asked his neuro surgeon about flying this distance and was told "I have absolutely no idea what will happen to you. Send me a postcard and I will know that you are ok!".
So we both wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.
We will try to update the Blog whilst away but this will depend on Indian communications and availablilty of electricity!
Best wishes to you all, see you in January.

Sunday 12 December 2010 - Inner Wheel and Rotary Carol Service

The Inner Wheel District 22 and Rotary District 1220 Carol Service was well attended and as usual with any event organised by Inner Wheel it was superb. Their Choir excelled and added much to the occasion. It was clear that a lot of rehearsal time had been put in despite the recent bad weather!

Seen here are Pam McConnell the Inner Wheel Association President, Rotary Assistant Governor Tony Bethell who conducted the Service and Elaine Harrison, Inner Wheel District 22 Chairman.

We left the Church with our car full of warm clothing etc in response to my appeal for the homeless served by the Friary Drop-in Centre.
I sincerely thank the members of Inner Wheel who work so hard and the co-operation and bond between us is there for all to see.

Merry Christmas ladies and a healthy New Year!

Saturday and Sunday 11 / 12 December 2010 - Sherwood Sunrisers collections

Sherwood Sunrisers were working hard with the Christmas collections and this was our second weekend at Brookfields Garden Centre.

I spent Saturday and Sunday morning with them - don't be fooled by the photograph as Terry was only posing for it! He doesn't collect these days as standing for long periods is not an option.

Friday 10 December 2010 Rotary Club of Bakewell Carol Service

President Rita Hickin and the members of the Rotary Club of Bakewell held a superb Carol Service in the wonderful old Church in Bakewell.
It was decorated with a Festival of Trees and there were many trees donated by clubs, including Rotary and other organisations to make a spectacular sight.

Tuesday 7 December 2010 - Sherwood Sunrisers

We left home at 6.50am to go to Sherwood Sunrisers meeting and the temperature was -15C ! The restaurant was not much warmer.

Colin Gell of Carlton (on the left) and Kevin Brown of Sunrisers (on the right) both raised substantial funds for the India housing project.

Colin and his daughter Claire climbed Kilimanjaro whilst Kevin and his son Phil went to Everest Base Camp. Both said that it was not as cold as Nottingham this morning!
Well done guys, a magnificent effort by you both.

Kevin and Colin swapping stories about their magnificent adventures.

Thank you Both very much on behalf of the homeless in India.

Sunday evening 5 December 2010. RC of Nottingham Carol Service

The Rotary Club of Nottingham held their annual Carol Service in conjunction with the Salvation Army.

The celebrations were led by Major Robert Peppiatt, a member of the RC of Nottingham.

This was a very lively, enjoyable and family friendly evening. The late John Barnett always organised this event and insisted on audience participation for the Twelve Days of Christmas. John's family were there to see the tradition continued with vigour and hilarious consequences. John would be proud of us!







President Tony Poulter together with members, wives, the Scotholme Primary School Choir and the Salvation Army Band ensured that the evening was a great success.

Sunday 5 December 2010 - Collecting again at Brookfields

The Sherwood Sunrisers team were collecting at Brookfields Garden Centre again on Sunday and we were surprised when Hannah, in the pink scarf, and her husband Dave arrived.

They were two weeks early and at the wrong venue but at least they were enthusiastic!

Saturday 3 December 2010 - Christmas collection at brookfields

We had a late start with our Christmas collection schedule due to the weather and the car park at Brookfields Garden Centre looked like the National Ice Arena!
It was bitterly cold but, as usual, morale was very high and we all had a great time.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - cancelled!!!

The heavy snowfall looked beautiful where we live and I enjoyed walking in the woods with the dog.
The roads were blocked, all events cancelled and I could not even get into work.
It gave me an opportunity to catch up with paperwork. emails and watch some TV.

Tuesday 30 November 2010 - Switch on Sherwood Lights!

A large group of members , together with Santa and his sleigh, helped with the celebrations to turn on the Christmas lights in Sherwood. The ceremony was performed by Coun Penny Griggs, the Sheriff of Nottingham, who declared an amnesty with Robin Hood until the New Year!





A sizeable crowd enjoyed mince pies, mulled wine and music before departing in a blizzard! It took Noel Harrison over 2 hours to get home with the sleigh in tow. The journey usually takes 20 minutes and I thought that sleighs were designed to move easily through snow!

Monday 29 November 2010 - RIBI General Council - Alcester

I left home at 6.30am in icy conditions to drive to RIBI Headquarters in Alcester, near Stratford on Avon, for the General Council meeting. All 29 of the RIBI District Governors and the RIBI Executive meet 4 times a year to discuss items which affect us all in Rotary. Some Council meetings last for 2 days but this was a one day meeting to cut the cost.
I will include the items discussed in my report to our District Council in January.

Monday 29 November 2010 - Everest Base Camp

Kevin Brown (on the right) of Sherwood Sunrisers and his son Philip climbed to Everest Base Camp to raise funds for the Indian Housing for Humanity project. As you can see they succeeded but their return was delayed for several days by bad weather in Katmandu.
Congratulations Kevin and Philip, I look forward to hearing all about the trip!

Saturday night - 27 November 2010 - Terry reporting on a chance encounter!

Hi, Terry reporting this time!

After leaving the Rotaract Indian evening we were walking back to the car park when a young man shouted to us and rushed over. I thought that there was going to be trouble but he walked alongside us and called Val "Miss". When he did this Val recognised him as being one of her "clients" who has been released without charge as he is innocent but was in the wrong place at the wrong time. This young man was delighted to see her and full of praise for the" Miss who has a big heart and believed in him". I just had to take a photograph.

Saturday 27 November 2010 - Nottingham Rotaract Club Indian evening

President Fran and her hard working team of Rotaractors organised an Indian Curry evening at the Mogul - e - Azam restaurant in Nottingham. It was well attended and they have raised £600 to provide a Rotaract house in the project in India and £300 to buy equipment for children in the village.
These are an incredible group of young people and the Rotarians of the future.

We had a quiz on India (won by Terry!) a raffle and a southern Indian drum band. We were invited to have a go ourselves and it was much harder than it looked!

Saturday 27 November 2010 - Winter arrives - remember the homeless!

Following the Big Sleep Out yesterday I was so pleased not to have to repeat the experience in the snow. Please remember that many people have little choice.





I walked out of our gate into the woods where the snow was fabulous.






The trees show the view from our bedroom window, overnight it has been -8C

Thursday 25 November 2010 - Big Sleep Out for Framework

I arrived on the coldest night of the year so far (-3c) and a wind from the North Pole to spend the night on the pavement to highlight the plight of the homeless who do this every night.

Framework do great things to help the people who are homeless together with those who are in danger of losing their homes.
There were many people of all ages sleeping out with their cardboard boxes. It was freezing but luckily it was dry.
The photographs show me with PDG Rami Seth and PDG Lionel Howard who braved the elements and I thank them very much for their support.

It was good to see four members of the Nottingham Rotaract Club, Fran, Lucy, Simon and Helen taking time out to join the demonstration of support for the homeless.






The first person I met on arrival was Marianne Knight who has been instrumental in organising the event. Marianne is going with our Group Study Exchange team to India in January and she will have the opportunity to see how the homeless are treated there. At least it will be warmer!









My thanks go to Kelvin and Lynne Bowman too. Kelvin is the President of the Rotary Club of Mansfield and Lynne is President of the InnerWheel club. They fed me with cereal bars and hot coffee, many thanks Kelvin and Lynne!

I know that there were other Rotarians and Inner Wheel members there too but with so many people it was difficult to speak with everybody. I peered into many cardboard boxes and found the people in these photographs but eventually decided not to invade others personal space!

Thank you everyone. the projected amount raised is £30,000+ . This is a magnificent achievement but with huge cuts in funding on the horizon Framework are going to need a lot of support to keep up their excellent work
Please invite them to speak at your club.

Thursday 25 November 2010 - HMP

It was back to work this morning and amusing to see and hear some of our new clients greeting each other.
"Oh, they caught you as well!"
"I've been in Wandsworth for a few months, it's much better here"
It really is an escape (is that the right word?!!) from life on the outside.

Wednesday 24 November 2010 - Rotary Club of West Bridgford Charter

West Bridgford club held their Charter at their usual venue, the Country Cottage Hotel in Ruddington. The food is always excellent here and the clubs which meet there regularly are looked after very well by the staff.
For President John Walker it is his second time round as President and it was delightful to see his daughters there for him. Why not make it a family occasion?

Tuesday 23 November 2011 - Sherwood Sunrisers

It is quite a test after a late night Charter dinner to get up early for Sherwood Sunrisers at 7.00am but I love to be at my own club each week.

Terry stayed in bed and just gave a neolithic grunt when the alarm sounded, turned over and went back to sleep!
It was a pity because he missed our returned Ambassadorial scholar Kate Davis who gave an excellent account of the time she has spent studying in the USA.
Please invite Kate to speak at your club too.

Monday 23 November 2011 - Rotary Club of Belper & Duffield Charter

We found the venue for Belper & Duffield Charter very easily but the hotel has changed names from the Midland Hotel to the Hallmark Hotel! I am sure that this is a plot to test the navigational skills of the DG's driver - Terry!

President David Harris was an excellent host and we all enjoyed the musical interlude.

Sunday 21 November 2011 - Delivering Christmas presents to the family

We dashed down the M1 to Hertfordshire to take Christmas presents to my family as this was the only opportunity before we depart for Christmas in India! I have never been so organised in my life and the Christmas cards will soon be done too!

Saturday 20 November 2010 - Rotary Club of Ilkeston Charter Dinner

We had an interesting journey to the venue for the Ilkeston Charter Dinner as the postcode that we were given was actually a farm four miles away! We eventually arrived 15 minutes late much to the relief of Assistant Governor Roger Summers who was hastily sorting out a speech! Roger Sissons, the President was unruffled and calm as ever!
We had a superb meal with excellent service at the Erewash Valley Golf Club before being entertained by winners of Ilkeston's Got Talent. Sam Barson, Lily Taylor-Ward and Caroline Budden are truly outstanding young singers. I never tire of hearing these gifted singers and if you would like to hear them they will be at Sherwood Sunrisers Charter on 30 January 2011.

Saturday 20 November 2010 - Santa's arrival at Brookfields Garden Centre

Brookfields Garden Centre in Mapperley has worked closely with Sherwood Sunisers for several years and on this occasion they asked for our help with car parking duties so we were able to do something for them in return.
Santa arrived in a magnificent horse drawn carriage which unfortunately I missed,then the crowds arrived!
The entire area was covered in artifical snow and I must be the only District Governor who spent several hours directing traffic

Friday 19 November 2010 - HMP

As a complete contast from Rotary I was teaching for the second day this week in HMP where the main topic of conversation was about a client who had done a drugs deal and ran off with the cash when the Police arrived. He was very disgruntled to say the least when he discovered that the bundle of notes was Monopoly money! Who could he complain to?!!

Wednesday 17 November 2010 - District team meeting

The District team met and the main agenda items were "Thanks for Life" presented by Anni Gell and Rotary Awareness presented by David Pedlar.
This was an excellent meaningful meeting.

Wednesday 17 November 2010 - Visit to Foxwood Foundation School & Technology College

Tom Evans, younger brother of our Ambassadorial scholar Sam Evans, will be spending 3 months in India working at Sannidhi Centre for Life Skills in Vikarabad.
I spent some time teaching special needs children there earlier this year and I have linked them up with Foxwood Foundation school in Nottingham.
The Foxwood headteacher, Chris Humphries, is very excited about the link and looking forward to working together with the people in India.
I spent the morning in the school with Tom and he will now be a regular visitor preparing for his trip.

Tuesday 16 November - Club visit to Mansfield

President Kelvin Bowman and his members are reappraising the way in which their club functions, something that we all need to do from time to time.
As always they made me very welcome.

Tuesday 16 November - early morning

At 7.00am I was at my own club, Sherwood Sunrisers and took this photograph of the Sunrisers Garden at the City Hospital.
We took this over as a bit of waste ground and transformed it into an oasis for the patients and staff who use it regularly in good weather.
It will be a riot of colour in the spring when the hundreds of different bulbs are in flower thanks to Brookfields Garden Centre, Mapperley who gave us the bulbs..

Monday 15 November 2010 - Rotary Club of Nottingham

Tonight I made my visit to the Rotary Club of Nottingham and am delighted to meet so many new enthusiastic members, 7 so far this year! President Tony Poulter and his team are doing a good job!
The club is going to donate funds for 2 houses in India and one will be dedicated to Rotarian John Barnett who lost his life so tragically recently.
This will be a fitting memorial for a wonderful gentleman and Rotarian.

Sunday 14 November 2010 - Worksop Dukeries Charter

It was an unusual time for a Charter, Sunday at 5.00pm, but the Rotary Club of Worksop Dukeries held their event at the Worksop Golf Club and had to fit in with availability.

It is a lovely venue and the home club of the world number one golfer, Lee Westwood. I was met at the door by Lee, well - a cardboard cut out - and had the photograph taken!

President Alan Sutton and Gordon Telford finished the evening with a very funny sketch based on a Morcambe and Wise original. We all joined in with "Bring me sunshine"!!

I was delighted to receive a cheque for £600 towards the Indian housing project.
Thank you Worksop Dukeries!

Thursday 11 November 2010 - Foundation Seminar

The annual District Foundation Seminar was held at The Kestrel and we had the best attendance for years with over 90 people there.

As Terry is the District Foundation Chairman it fell to him to organise this event.

The Ambassadorial Scholars spoke very well and with humour.
The Foundation Committee is very strong with a great deal of experience and our District is certainly one of the best in RIBI.

Monday 8 November 2010 - Rotary Club of Bretby

I had my second meeting of the day at the Rotary Club of Bretby with President Cedric Insley and his members.

I did not take a photograph presenting the banner so this was taken at the Foundation Seminar when Cedric was dressed less formally!

Monday 8 November 2010 - Lunch at Rotary Club of Burton upon Trent

Today Terry accompanied me as we had a long day ahead with the Burton upon Trent club at lunchtime and the Bretby club in the evening.

Here is Preident Jack Sheldon of Burton upon Trent receiving his theme banner for this year at the Pirelli Stadium.

Sunday 7 November 2010 - Chesterfield Charter Dinner

The Rotary Club of Chesterfield held their Charter Lunch at Ringwood Hall Hotel, a superb venue.

The speaker was of particular interest to Terry as he was Geff Miller, National Selector of the English cricket team and a former test cricket player who played for Derbyshire. They had a long conversation about the forthcoming Test series for The Ashes in Australia.
Geoff was not impressed when Terry let on that we are members of Nottinghamshire Cricket Club at Trent Bridge!



The ladies were presented with beattiful flower arrangements by President John Keeton.