Tag: Rotary Club Visits
Feb 3, 2011 8:00 PM
I was supposed to bring Edvinas, the Youth Exchange Student, to speak at Arbury but got a message from him on my way home to say he was ill and could he cancel. On arriving home to find him poorly I contacted Don, the Club President, and offered to do a talk instead although I would be a bit rusty as I had not practised either of them for a while. After ensuring Edvinas had everything to hand I drove across to Arbury and promptly set up my talk on my tandem dive desperately looking through my...
Oct 18, 2010 8:00 PM
It was lovely to go back to visit Kinver Club. An ambassadorial scholar from Taiwan was the main speaker and for me it was good to meet up with Paul there as he had driven down to Swindon and back in the day and was going down again after the meeting - there's dedication to our scholars for you. I loved sitting with the club members - we had a really jovial chat over dinner and then settled back to hear Shu Han speak about her country. She showed several video clips that gave a real feel for...
Jun 3, 2010 12:45 PM
A nice drive in the sun took me to Solihull for the club meeting. Ian Courts, new Mayor of Solihull and his wife Sheila were there as the club made him an honorary member (he is a member of Meriden Rotary Club). I was there to present several long service awards. Members who have given service between 25 and nearly 40 years were given certificates. It is great to meet people who have been so loyal to the organisation and who still obviously get something from it.
A talk was...
Jun 3, 2010 7:15 AM
An early start in the sunshine was great as I headed over to Alcester. Not only was the weather warm but so was the welcome when I met everyone from the Alcester Alauna Club. A few of us compared notes on tandem dives that have now past and those to come which was a great conversation (although it made me desperate to go up again!).
We had a lovely relaxed breakfast. It was good to listen in to the business of the club and see the projects already underway and those planned for the...
May 24, 2010 6:00 PM
A large group met at Drayton Manor Park to meet and hear from the General Consul of India, Mr. Gururaj Rao. Tamworth and Arbury Club members were well represented as they both have links with Rajahmundry Rivercity Rotary Club which was represented at the meeting by Lieutenant Murthy Josti, who also brought his family with him. He told us about the projects both clubs have been involved in with his club which have made a real difference to local people. Several other clubs were...
May 13, 2010 1:00 PM
OK so I got it wrong and it was not this meeting I was supposed to be attending but I stayed anyway. I am due here in June but I had originally given the club 2 dates and had not taken this one out of the diary. I was glad I came though. It was nice to sit amongst the members and to chat with some lovely Rotarians - one of 93 who has 100% attendance, not bad going at all!
It was the club assembly so I got to hear what the club is planning for next year. It was strange to sit in the meeting...
Mar 29, 2010 6:00 PM
A nice short journey to Tamworth from work meant I was able to get there on time for the meeting. A couple of prospective members were there to hear me give a brief talk on Rotary followed by club members talking about the projects the club is involved with itself. They probably wished the Indian Consul had managed to come rather than listening to me but it was a relaxed evening.
I am learning how to write speeches at very short notice. I had remembered that I was going to say a...
Jan 7, 2010 7:30 AM
Despite snow and freezing temperatures (minus nine degrees at the venue) I drove over to attend the breakfast meeting of the proposed club of Alcester Alauna. A few members and a prospective member braved the weather and the ice and snow of the hotel car park. A nice atmosphere and a lot to celebrate in terms of their fundraising efforts so far. Seven charities will receive donations and both the RYLA and Young Carers boat project will be supported.
It was certainly worth the drive to meet...
Nov 17, 2009 7:15 PM
A change of venue for the evening but the welcome was great. David Littleford drove me on my last official club visit (visit No.67). We were well looked after and enjoyed our evening with the club.
It was great to be able to talk in a very relaxed way after the speech about several areas of Rotary. The meeting had a nice relaxed atmosphere and the toast to an international club was a new one on me and the sending of a card to the club toasted seemed a nice gesture.
There was good...
Nov 16, 2009 6:40 PM
Having been held up in traffic in Nottingham I managed to get there just ten minutes late. Was nice to be welcomed so warmly by everyone. A nice simple meal was great after a day of running between meetings with no time to stop.
The speech seemed to go down well and we had a great discussion about Foundation and the marketing campaign. It was good to be back amongst friends who have been part of my and Paul's Rotary life for several years. A nice relaxed meeting for me.
Nov 10, 2009 6:10 PM
Arrived a few minutes late as a work meeting delayed me. However, so good to be back with my old club. I and Paul were made very welcome and enjoyed our evening.
The highlight for me was presenting President John with his individually designed certificate and pink tutu after his experience with cases and ladies pink clothing at conference (if you want the details you will have to ask him). He took it all in good fun and had us all laughing.
I am grateful to the club members of...
Nov 9, 2009 6:30 PM
Although a small group it was a meeting where there was a lot of conversation around the table. It was great to be back with a club that I visited many times in the past. I was grateful that people were attentive to my talk and shared similar thoughts to mine about polio and the work of Rotary. Also good was to hear about the club's fundraising activities and commitment to local causes.
It was so good to hear that the club is working with Oldbury Club to undertake projects such as the Santa...
Oct 26, 2009 6:00 PM
Fortunately managed to get to the club despite an accident blocking the motorway. It was good to see several prospective members there. A good atmosphere was evident in the club and several events were in the planning stages.
The club has many projects both local and international which it has shown a long term commitment to. It has also been a club that supports the Foundation. What was great was the presentation to me of a cheque for £1200 to Foundation - I was almost lost for words....
Oct 26, 2009 12:45 PM
A lovely welcome met me from club members. Conversations bought back memories of Rotaract. Of course I hold the club responsible for my moment of weakness in signing up for the tandem dive as it was their Bulldog Bash that sparked the idea.
What was nice was to see the Mayor in attendance as an honorary member - it is very rare that I have seen a Mayor make use of their honorary membership.
A good atmosphere was present and it was great to have so many conversations with different people...
Oct 22, 2009 8:00 PM
David Littleford deserves a medal for taking me to a second Rotary meeting this week. This time over to Hasbury and Cradley at Clent. This club makes you feel really welcome and immediately draws you into their conversations in the bar. Lively discussion took place throughout the meal.
The first club where questions were asked or comments made as I went through the speech which worked well. The questions and conversations after the speech were really interesting as many people got involved...
Oct 22, 2009 12:45 PM
It was lovely to come back and visit the Lichfield Club. It was very touching to be greeted so warmly by the members of the club and to be involved in several conversations before the meeting began and to meet their recently inducted member.
It was great to hear of the club's donation of several thousand pounds to a local special school that morning which will make a huge difference to them and should give the club a real feel good factor.
A really nice friendly atmosphere is evident when...
Oct 20, 2009 7:45 PM
It was nice to be taken again by David Littleford to this club meeting. A lively club throughout the meeting with good humour. A good attendance and the induction of two new members made it a great evening. It was also good to hear what the club is doing in each of the areas of service - there is plenty going on.
It was also great to meet a member who was an ex Rotaractor from my era - I used to attend the Sutton Coldfield Christmas Party every year (an event he helped to create)....
Oct 20, 2009 12:45 PM
It was great to be back amongst old friends and at a club where the President is very proactive in getting the club involved in the Thanks for Life project. What a good way of getting a new member involved. It was nice to meet a new member that I have written to to welcome to Rotary.
The speech seemed to go down well and people were very welcoming to me. It was nice to see previous events I enjoyed helping the club with when an Assistant Governor were still continuing. I shall definitely be...
Oct 13, 2009 7:30 PM
John Clegg, my driver for the evening, could probably do my speech for me - as could Roger Phillips as both have heard it several times already.
Vice President Mike made a good job of leading the meeting. A good sense of humour was displayed all evening around the room and it was a great relaxed place to be.
It was nice to see responsive faces as I spoke - I still get a little nervous before I get up and speak and it is not always easy to tell if it is going ok....
Oct 13, 2009 1:00 PM
A nice drive across to the Ramada Hotel at Chesford Bridge. It was good to see Aquaboxes out ready for filling. Amazingly this club, last year, filled 40 of them. I suspect they will do just as well this year.
A great jovial atmosphere pervaded the meeting picked up really well by the SAA in his fines. We tried out the new PA system which seemed a neat little tool.It was a lovely group of people to be with for this lunchtime and served as a reminder to me just how much work Rotary Clubs are...
Oct 12, 2009 6:30 PM
Phil Head took me across through the Monday evening traffic to the Greswolde Hotel for the Knowle & Dorridge Rotary Club Meeting. A lovely hotel and it was great to have a Rotarian at the door waiting to welcome me (it felt a bit like being the Queen). The welcome was lovely and it was great to be involved in conversation around the table for the whole meal.
The meeting ran very smoothly and was all over by 8pm which meant I had a strange experience of being at home in the...
Oct 8, 2009 12:30 PM
It was great to find myself back with the members of Handsworth. More importantly it was great to see President Geoff and his wife Edwina back from their mammoth walk along the Northerm Camino (the blisters are now healing).
I think everyone should have a John Goss (Foundation Chairman) in their club as I have never seen anyone manage to get Foundation Christmas Card orders out of so many people at one meeting!
It was nice to sit in on the club's business meeting after I had done...
Oct 6, 2009 12:45 PM
It was great to be back amongst friends and to find a few wives here as well. Had a little difficulty finding venue as since last time I went a large primary care centre had been built in front of the Rugby Club so I missed the entrance. However, I still arrived in plenty of time.
Although quite small in number the club shared with me its projects which certainly make a difference to their community. It is certainly a club that fulfils Rotary ideals with friendship built in as a strong...
Sep 29, 2009 6:45 PM
Geoff Lockett managed to get me to the meeting just on time after I had been held up by a work meeting. It was lovely to be back amongst friends who made me and Geoff very welcome.
I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and what was especially good was being invited to speak almost straight after the meal. The meeting was run very tightly and we were all finished in just over an hour (which was a great blessing as I still had a presentation for work to do when I got home). The warmth of the...
Sep 29, 2009 1:00 PM
Although a few years since I have been to visit the club it was good to see many people I know. Kings Norton may be a relatively small club but it was great to see the amazing fundraising the club does. 2 cheques were presented to two charities, each for over £500, not a bad amount of work for a Tuesday lunchtime.
There was a very relaxed atmosphere and a lot of banter across the table which was great to see. My only disappointment was that I couldn't stay on after my speech...
Sep 28, 2009 7:00 PM
It was great to be driven across by Bill Bennett and to arrive amongst Rotarians I have known over the years and who have been such supporters of our Youth activities. Both Paul and I are very grateful to them for the hosting they have provided over the years to students coming on our camps (even when they had their own big events to organise).
We were made very welcome and the atmosphere was very relaxed. It was nice to be asked to make the speech early in the proceedings rather...
Sep 28, 2009 12:45 PM
It was nice to be able to work from home and not have a long journey to the office before this club meeting. It was great to have Judith Cule, past Inner Wheel District Chairman, at the meeting as well as friends I have known for several years in Rotary.
I am glad that there was a microphone as my voice was rather hoarse from the cold I developed last week. I did manage to complete the speech with a little voice left for questions (although some might have wished I couldn't complete...
Sep 22, 2009 8:00 PM
It was nice to be chauffeured by Richard Grindal tonight after a busy day. A gentle drive over to Hopwood was enjoyed. The club meeting was in a nice hotel and the room used for the meeting was comfortable for the numbers there (except with the hot air coming from me when doing my talk adding to the temperature of the room it did get quite warm).
Well humoured conversations took place around the table and a good level of banter was heard. It is what is great about visiting Rotary clubs...
Sep 22, 2009 12:45 PM
My chance to sit with my husband at his own club (the longest period we have had to talk to each other for ages!). It is great to visit clubs that I have got to know over the years. Because of work commitments I had to speak over everyone's eating of their cheese and biscuits and leave before the end of the meeting.
A nice friendly club with people who have shown comitment to Rotary both in and beyond their club for many years. It was good to hear of the club's commitment to its...
Sep 21, 2009 7:30 PM
It was lovely to arrive here (after being chauffeured by John Clegg) to find Clement, a previous Ambassadorial Scholar, at the meeting. It was so good to see him back with us.
We were made very welcome by the members, including the honorary dog, and a good amount of discussion went around the table over the meal. What was nice was that some members came for the meal even though they had travelling to do that night or packing cases for the next day. They obviously enjoy being...
Sep 21, 2009 12:45 PM
After leaving work later than I wanted but with David Rees good directions around the road closures in Stourport I did manage to get to the club just in time. It was nice to see a full room of friendly faces. I spoke whilst people were still eating their puddings as the meal took longer to serve than expected but at least it helped to keep the weight off as I obviously didn't have one.
Here the raffle prize is always some eggs from Syd's farm which is always a popular choice. Although...
Sep 15, 2009 10:00 PM
This is such a friendly club and the welcome was as lovely as ever. Never left for a moment to stare at my feet or twiddle my thumbs but someone to talk to all the time...even an attempt at a curtsey. It was nice to be joined by 2 members of Rugby Rotary Club (even if the IPDG has already heard me speak).
The conversation was lovely and focussed on the local communities in the area. What came across at this club is a real enthusiasm for Rotary, care for one another and a desire to serve...
Sep 15, 2009 8:00 PM
Having attended the club's Last Night of the Proms on Friday it seemed strange to be back with the members this evening. However, conversations just picked up from where they ended on Friday and it was lovely to be back with everyone. The club meets in a lovely venue and I certainly felt very welcome.
The delay in the serving of the meal (we had more there than planned so more meals had to be made - they must have forgotten I was coming) meant the majority of the business could...
Sep 14, 2009 7:00 PM
I only just got home from work in time to be collected by Geoff Lockett for our visit to Great Barr Bromwic. Although small in numbers tonight what was noticeable was the great amount of work the club undertakes and the projects it supports. It was great to see the loyalty of the club to a project it started several years ago and even with large sums of money to find the total commitment to its playground project in Serbia.
Again it was nice to see a prospective member...
Sep 14, 2009 1:00 PM
Managed to get lost on the ring road but fortunately early enough to not be late. It was lovely to visit a club I was AG for several years ago and to still be remembered and welcomed by everyone.
It is nice to see this club growing in membership and with potential members at the meeting as well (and by the sounds of it my speech didn't put them off joining). It was a nice relaxed meeting and it was good to see the club developing new fundraising ideas and different people taking the lead on...
Sep 8, 2009 12:45 PM
I had a lovely drive through the countryside from Nottingham to Atherstone and got there in plenty of time. It was nice to be welcomed by every member.
This club has done so much to support Troop Aid and encourage other clubs to do the same. This has been a really worthwhile project and one that conversations today suggested could be extended to allow clubs to give more support to individual soldiers.
A relaxed atmosphere where conversations went across tables so no one was left out. A nice...
Sep 7, 2009 7:30 PM
It was great to be back with a club that I have come to know very well over the years. Both David, my chauffeur for the evening, and myself were made very welcome. It is the first meeting I have received a cheer as I was introduced and again when I stood up to speak - embarassing but it did make me feel really welcome.
The conversation around the table and the general banter was great. This is definitely a club with a lot going on - loads of events and projects to sign up for.
A large...
Sep 7, 2009 12:40 PM
A real show of chivalry - President Colin drove over from Nuneaton to collect me for the club meeting and then brought me back home afterwards although he had to go back to where we had just been.
It was lovely to have several people coming up and talking to me prior to the meeting and it was good to have conversations with friends I hadn't seen for a while.
Having not spoken at a club for over a week it was strange to get back into the speech mode so I felt a little rusty but...
Aug 25, 2009 7:30 PM
It was nice to meet up with the members of Warwick Avon Club again after years of association. Both Phil Head (my chauffeur for the evening) and myself were made very welcome. It was also nice to be given a choice from 4 puddings(!)
We had a long discussion re membership after my speech which it was good to hold and have people participate in. It was good to be having the conversation with a club that has got several new members recently but is not complacent and is looking for new ways...
Aug 25, 2009 12:45 PM
After a journey that took much longer than expected I was relieved to find I arrived before the bell rang for the start of the meeting. It was lovely to have a friendly face waiting on the steps for me.
It was great to be back with a club that I visited in my first year as Assistant Governor. The amusing element was the constant asking by the Sergeant at Arms for the return of his fines book, Bill's constant protests of his innocence in the matter and the final finding of the said book in...
Aug 24, 2009 7:30 PM
An early arrival meant that David Litttleford (my chauffeur for the evening) and I could sit and relax in the bar overlooking the Henley Golf Club. A lovely welcome was given to us from a club with a really warm attitude. A strength of this club is its concern for the well being of its members and their families. It has plenty of activities in place and some really good causes are supported. It was lovely to spend the evening with the club who were generous in their listening as...
Aug 21, 2009 12:45 PM
My 34th club visit (halfway there if you don't count Interact and Rotaract Club visits that I want to make this year). It was lovely to be taken by PDG David Robinson - must be the only person to ask to come and hear me speak as he missed my talk at his own club.
A lovely welcome met us both and we were both well looked after right from the start of the meeting. It was a pleasant (if embarassing) surprise to have a detailed introduction to me although not as embarassing as having...
Aug 20, 2009 8:00 PM
It was nice to visit the same venue for a second time as this time I visited Droitwich Spa Saltway Rotary Club. This may be a small club in numbers but it has a lot of energy, enthusiasm and dedication to Rotary.
I had a great evening with the club. I decided to not do my speech in its usual format but try to make it more of an informal sharing of ideas as there were only 8 of us around the table (including one other visitor). We had a good long discussion afterwards covering...
Aug 20, 2009 12:45 PM
It was nice to be back with the members of Solihull Club who are always very welcoming. It was especially generous of them considering the tough week they have had after the funeral of a member.
One of the largest groups I've spoken to but I am grateful that all were very attentive and very positive at the end of the meeting. It was great to also hear how individual members are enjoying their membership of Rotary and how they are working to support groups I have a keen interest in.
Aug 19, 2009 12:45 PM
A lovely day to be chauffeured by Simon Grant (one of our newer members) to the Holte Hotel for Aston Rotary Club's meeting. It was nice to see friends from Wylde Green there as well. Although Brian was concerned Aston members might be outnumbered by visitors the members duly arrived and a very friendly and relaxed meeting ensued.
It was great to hear about the club's projects that show so much dedication to the 3rd world and to needy families in the local area. This club may be small...
Aug 18, 2009 8:00 PM
A lovely venue for a meeting and a relaxing place for me and Peter Raine, my chauffeur for the evening, to wait for the start of the meeting. We were both made very welcome - it was good to be back amongst old friends.
A lovely meal and conversations made it a very relaxed atmosphere to be in. The only worry when the President builds you up before your speech is that the only way is down! However, responses were good and discussions that followed were really positive and forward...
Aug 18, 2009 12:45 PM
A lovely ride to Sutton Coldfield Golf Club driven by PDG Peter Isherwood (he must almost know my speech off by heart). We were made very welcome and the time leading up to the start of the meeting went very quickly as we both had several people coming and talking to us. It was lovely to see people wearing their Paul Harris Fellow badges and chains (if only Peter and I had known, we would have bought our chains).
Good chatter was had over the meal and I appreciated the good...
Aug 17, 2009 7:30 PM
A lovely venue to visit and to be chauffeured there by Brian.It was great to be back with a club that I remember that I enjoyed visiting as an Assistant Governor. The same banter and good humour and a great atmosphere...oh yes!
Although usually one is slightly apprehensive about questions that are asked this evening's questions led on to a really great discussion not only between me and members but between members themselves. It was great to be part of an open and honest...
Aug 13, 2009 8:00 PM
A nice journey out into the countryside to the Fox and Hen at Bascote Heath for the Southam 2000 meeting driven by Bill. A very enjoyable meeting with quite a bit of laughter at tables and across the room. A very relaxed atmosphere in the meeting made the nerves a little less before speaking.
I just hope I didn't put the prospective member off. It was nice to be amongst Rotarians I have known for several years and to have positive discussions about publicity and the polio campaign.
I...
Aug 11, 2009 8:00 PM
It was great to only have a few miles to travel tonight and the welcome was lovely - so many people talking to me and being looked after so well for the whole evening.
It is great to see a club which is gaining many new and younger members and is very active in the service it gives. It was nice to see a prospective member at the meeting as well and know that I haven't put her off joining.
Noone seemed to drop off to sleep during the speech and it was good to discuss the club's...
Aug 11, 2009 12:00 PM
Droitwich Spa is a lovely town to visit and our time there began at Rotary House at the end of one of the Probus Club meetings. A lovely small building with a nice seating area outside which would suit many community groups as a meeting venue. 2 sets of press there and then another press photographer later at the club meeting venue - I've never had so many photographs taken since my wedding day!
.A very friendly and active club which made Ian (my chauffeur) and me very welcome and at...
Aug 10, 2009 12:45 PM
After the glorious weather of the weekend it was a shame to find the journey over cloudy and wet. However, the welcome more than made up for it and it was nice to be in a club where people happily spoke to me and Peter (my chauffeur for the afternoon).
The room was lovely for the meeting, as was the meal and the company. Have ensured that PDG Brian Moore and I are not visiting the same club as each other for a while (as this was his 3rd time of hearing the talk!).
Had a really good...
Aug 5, 2009 1:00 PM
After leaving work later than I wanted and panicking I might not get there in time I found myself at Warwick Rotary Club meeting in time to have a chat to several people before the meeting began.
Thank goodness for the microphone as I wasn't sure my voice would carry the length of the room (after feeling a little croaky for a couple of days) although I daresay a few wished it didn't carry that far!
It may have been wet and damp outside but it was very warm in the room not only from the...
Aug 4, 2009 12:45 PM
A lovely treat to be collected and returned by the Club President himself. What was really nice was it meant fellowship was had by the 4 of us in the car before we even got to the meeting venue.
It was nice to be with a club I have known for several years and one close to home and that contains many friends. I was made very welcome by the members and I don't think I've had my picture taken so much at one meeting!
I don't think anyone dropped off to sleep during the speech. It is also...
Aug 3, 2009 7:30 PM
We arrived to meet a visitor from the Epping Forest area. Soon we were joined by club members. Good conversations were had before and during the meal.
In fact after the speech good discussion followed regarding PR following on from convention and other communication matters. What was great was that conversation carried on after the final toast where members and guests sat back down and carried on the conversation. It was nice to see people not rushing off but...
Aug 3, 2009 12:45 PM
A short and pleasant drive over to Coleshill with Clive my chauffeur for the afternoon. It was lovely to see Rotarians that I had got to know as Assistant Governor a few years ago. They all had obviously forgotten that I was coming as there was only 1 apology. It was lovely to see Bruce come who was determined to be there although still recovering from a recent spell in hospital.
The questions were certainly thought provoking - the polioplus campaign was a key topic and my first one...
Jul 31, 2009 7:15 AM
A lovely sunny morning to travel into the centre of Coventry equalled by the sunny atmosphere in the meeting of Coventry Breakfast Rotary Club. It was good to be amongst friends and I am very grateful for the reception I received. This was especially nice as having just seen Amanda off at the airport the night before and knowing that she was still on the plane home to Brazil I needed something cheerful to pick me up. The club certainly did that!
The speech got more laughs than ever before...
Jul 29, 2009 12:45 PM
The lovely garden house at the venue was a most welcome sight after the horrendous weather I had to drive through from Nottingham. The ambience of the room added to the warmth of the fellowship. It was great to see Debbie Le Quesne again who I haven't seen for a couple of years and to have the Inner Wheel members there as well.
It was lovely to be back with old friends and it was very touching that Neill Hill had passed a message on to me through Barry, the President, as he couldn't be...
Jul 28, 2009 8:00 PM
A lovely welcome awaited Brian (my 'chauffeur') and me at the Bridge Inn at Halford. They had obviously forgotten to warn people that it was me speaking as nearly everyone was there - mind you I think they were there to see their newest member inducted which was a great event to be at.
There was a break before my speech so the members did have the chance to escape but amazingly none of them took it (they might next time having heard me now!). It was also lovely to receive a cheque...
Jul 28, 2009 12:45 PM
It was great to see Dave the intrepid blind marathon man (7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents) be made an honorary member. A lot of light hearted conversation. It was lovely to have 2 young children and their mum at the meeting as well as the guide dog! It gave it a real family feel - would be lovely to see more of this at Rotary meetings.
A well established club still looking to make a difference and already has a few events planned which sound fun and should help fund their...
Jul 27, 2009 8:00 PM
A lovely welcome met both me and David (my chauffeur for the evening) when we arrived at Kinver Rotary Club. Neither of us was left on our own and were kept company for the whole evening which was really great.
For me the evening began with photographs outside for an article for the Birmingham Post and an interview with Mike Deathridge so that he could write the article.
It was lovely to be back with one of the first clubs I supported as Assistant Governor. It was summed up when...
Jul 27, 2009 12:40 PM
The first club meeting at the Copthorne Hotel for the Rotary Club (apart from Leverton Lunch previously). Samuel was his usual bright self at the helm and the tables were full by the time we sat down for lunch. It was lovely to hear the chatter around the tables and the obvious enjoyment members have in each others company. It was even more lovely to sit with Penny Sunderland and see that she is gradually gaining her strength.
Had some lovely conversations after the meeting with...
Jul 24, 2009 10:00 AM
Members couldn't have known I was coming as it was a full house near enough! Actually they were there for the induction of a new member which was great to be part of. Even Sandy was there who had already endured my speech the day before.
It was great to meet with everyone and to see people so keen to participate in Rotary service. A very relaxed atmosphere in which all visitors felt very welcome. Just have to warn those who suffer from vertigo not to look down from ...
Jul 23, 2009 5:00 PM
A really lovely lunchtime spent with Erdington Club. The whole time was spent in good humour and a lot of laughter and quips were shared across the table. It certainly helped to stop the nerves getting too much before I spoke.
Is the first meeting I've spoken at where someone chose to throw their hot drink over themselves whilst I was speaking (there are easier and less painful ways of getting out of hearing me!).
I really enjoyed my time with the club members and it might have been raining...
Jul 22, 2009 5:00 PM
A club where the President is at the door to welcome all club members and guests to the meeting (a nice little touch). A great venue and stirling staff who despite the electric and gas being cut off by workmen managed to put a lovely meal in front of us including coffee (I think they used camper stoves) - well done to them.
A lovely relaxed atmosphere and great conversation around the tables. Both I and PDG Peter Isherwood felt really welcome. I was glad to also help out the obvious...
Jul 21, 2009 11:00 PM
A lovely evening with Meriden Club. A good humoured evening where David, my ' chauffeur' for the evening and myself were made very welcome. It looks like links are already being made for next year between the two senior vice presidents.
Several questions and interesting conversations after the speech covering women in rotary, should there be an upper age limit?, how to attract those who are in their 40s and 50s and creche facilities at conference to name a few. It was...
Jul 20, 2009 11:00 PM
An enjoyable evening was had with the members of Tamworth Anker at their club meeting. Both I and David my 'chauffeur' for the evening were made very welcome by members and the staff at Drayton Manor. There was a lot of good hearted banter around the tables. Even when more serious items were discussed the warmth of the club was noticeable.
Several questions followed my talk which were thoughtful and certainly made me think about what Rotary means to me. The overall light...
Jul 16, 2009 11:45 PM
Chauffeur driven again - this time in a Jag! Arrived early to help with the presentation of certificates to a young lady who won the District intermediate Young Photographer competiiton and got a commended from the national competition. She has done really well and it was nice to see her and her parents made so welcome by everyone and people showing a genuine interest in them.
Just about survived the waiter trying to throw the soup into my lap rather than into the soup bowl - thank...
Jul 14, 2009 11:30 PM
After a work meeting that went on much later than I needed it to I managed to get across from Nottingham to Kingswinford to just get to the Rotary Club meeting on time. It was helped by the fact that as I arrived someone managed to knock a jug of water over the table. The changing of the tablecloths etc gave me time to compose myself and catch up with people.
I was made as welcome as I always have been at this club and the humour around the table was great. A really relaxed meeting where I...
Jul 13, 2009 11:00 PM
A very wet evening made driving to Bromsgrove a bit of a challenge from Nottingham but fortunately I got there in plenty of time. It was lovely to be with everyone even though it was a surprise at first to find members of North Worcestershire (who I had visited last week) going into the room next door. I knew they couldn't be that desperate to hear me again and I was right as it was the Club Council meeting.
2 people visited who were not Rotarians - I just hope the speech did not put them...
Jul 11, 2009 12:15 PM
A lovely morning spent at Brownsover Hall with a group of Rotarians who are always looking for new ways to show Rotary in their community. They were very welcoming and keen to participate in highlighted charities from me. A club that also shows real community service by its very regular commitment to its local soup kitchen.
It was also nice to meet a rotarian from Florida who has been in the area visiting family and to meet their newest member who I am sure will thoroughly enjoy her time in...
Jul 9, 2009 10:45 PM
Paul and I had a really lovely evening with Arbury Rotary Club. We were made so welcome and people actually listened to my speech! No closing eyes or snoring as far as I could see or hear.
The questions were good and the club were very kind in their comments. It was lovely to be there as they made the Principal of Warwickshire and Hinckley College an honorary member.
A really lovely evening with good humour and fun.
Jul 8, 2009 10:30 PM
Visiting my own club did not lessen the nerves before speaking to them. At least the nerves mean I am not eating too much so hopefully I shan't put on too much weight this year.
It was great to be with people who have already done so much for me and who will continue to support me. It was great to be able to thank them for the money they have already given to the Young Carers boat trip and to hear of the donation they plan to make to the polio campaign. It is very reassuring to know that...
Jul 7, 2009 10:30 PM
A full house of members for this meeting (they obviously didn't know I was coming). It was lovely to see an honorary Rotarian made into a full member and to see him return to the District in which he had previously been a member until work elsewhere forced him to leave. I hope Mike enjoys his Rotary in this club.
My first 'chauffeur assisted' visit. Not sure how my club members are going to take to hearing me on more than one occassion especially when they will hear it at my...
Jul 7, 2009 4:00 PM
My first official club visit of the year. I couldn't have asked for a friendlier place to be. Six rotarians present because others were on holidays (I reckon they heard I was coming) and unwell. I was made very welcome and the whole meeting was very relaxed and enjoyable. At least noone dropped off to sleep during my speech (don\'t suppose that will last).
Unfortunately, after the meeting they all had to rush off for the funeral of their oldest member aged 97! I hope they all found...
