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!