Friday 6 May 2011 - Rotary Club of Drone Valley Charter

The Rotary Club of Drone Valley held a spectacular Charter celebration at the Tramway Museum in Crich. Everyone turned up in 1940's dress or uniform which added to the atmosphere. Songs of the era drifted from the pub as we drank outside and the dining room looked fantastic. The food was gorgeous and included Bubble and Squeak, a choice of roasts and bread and butter pudding with custard!
It was clear that a lot of thought and preparation had gone into this event, well done President Patricia and her members!

Thursday 5 May - Rotary Club of the Vale of Belvoir Charter

President Denis Bacon, pictured here with the Mayor of Rushcliffe Marie Males, held the Charter celebration at the popular Country Cottage Hotel in Ruddington.

I was delighted to receive a club donation and a personal donation from a member for houses in the Indian project.

It was also a pleasure to present two Paul Harris Fellowships.

The recipients were Past President Gordon Marsh and Past President Rob Gray. Both are very well deserved and both were speechless!

Wednesday 4 May 2011 - Graduation in London

Terry and I were honoured to be asked to represent Maithreye's parents at her Masters Graduation from Imperial College, London.

The event was held at the Royal Alber Hall and we were stunned to find that we had seats in the Royal Box!

The hall was almost full for this wonderful occasion.

Maithreye is the daughter of our good friends Jai and Nimmi from Hyderabad. They were unable to come for the graduation but Maithreye flew in with her brother Anirudh from Hyderabad and her sister Meghana came from Chicago.

Saturday 30 April - Sunrisers Garden at the City Hospital in Nottingham

My own Rotary club, Sherwood Sunrisers, landscaped and now maintain a hospital garden in the City Hospital in Nottingham. It is an oasis of calm beauty where patients, visitors and staff can spend a quiet time.

President Kim was valiantly sweeping up leaves but the wind won in the end!

We all enjoy working in the garden in the sunshine and it gives us time to chat and socialise.

Friday 29 April 2011 - the Royal Wedding!

Yes, I was one of the millions who sat glued to the television. There is no doubt about it, we know how to do ceremonies well here!

We had a courtyard party at home with the neighbours with 1940's food for some reason, including bread and jam and jelly!

It was an opportunity to leave the worlds problems on one side for a day and we all needed it.

Can you remember fairy cakes decorated with hard silver balls? We had those too!

I have to admit that I did not realise that Terry was so patriotic!

Thursday 28 April - Stapleford & Sandiacre Charter

President Paul Clements and his team at Stapleford & Sandiacre held their Charter Dinner at the Trent Lock Golf Club. The guest speaker was our good friend Colin Slater who entertained us with his anecdotes.
This club is a good example that it is quality of the members, not the quantity, that matters.
I will never forget the excellent toast to Rotary International given by Reg Bee, it was wonderful!

Wednesday 27 April 2011 - District Executive meeting

This was the last District Executive meeting of the year and my sincere thanks go to all of the team for thier total support and dedication.