DG Ron's Blog

One of the things I love to see is Rotary Clubs working together in their communities so it was a delight to travel up the coast to Workington for the Paint The Town Red Festival.

Workington, Workington Derwent, Whitehaven Castle and Cockermouth clubs were represented. They were very much involved throughout the town with the organisation and the marshalling. In addition some of the clubs chose to showcase Rotary.

Cockermouth Club was selling books

The event was spread across three venues with the Rotary clubs allocated space at Vulcans Park. Unfortunately the area they were given was away from the main footfall which was disappointing for those who turned up to help.

Rotarians and helpers with the latest ShelterBox

However undaunted they carried on and were able to showcase their work for those who did venture across the site to find them.

Whitehaven Castle spread the word

As DG it’s not often that you get a chance to visit an event organised by your own club, so it was good to drop in on members and helpers as they ran a coconut shie in Barrow. They were also selling ducks for a forthcoming duck race. The venue was the Hawcoat Sports Pavilion where competitors in the annual Keswick to Barrow walk were crossing the finishing line. There were some weary bones out there as the the hardy walkers came to the end of their 40-mile trek. (I knew there was something else I should have been doing today!) Club members had also been involved in marshalling the event which raises many thousands of pounds for worthy causes.

Having a go watched by Barrow President John Dixon

The following day saw me and Patsy make the journey to Blackburn Cathedral to represent D1190 at the County of Lancashire Thanksgiving Service for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. An excellent event which was attended by many Rotarians.

Patsy and I were delighted to be invited to a very special music festival.

It’s organised by the Trustees of The Supt. Gerald Richardson Memorial Youth Trust and brings together performers from five special schools in the Fylde Coast area. It was held at Ribby Hall by kind permission of the Harrison family.

We were treated to a wonderful show which showcased a variety of exceptional talent. From Oliver to The Monster Mash. From The Colourful X Factor to Let’s Twist Again stopping off to listen and watch From India With Love.

It was a colourful and polished occasion in which each and every performer gave their all. The look of sheer determination and enthusiasm was a joy to behold.

Thanks are due to parents, teachers, and the organisers but most of all to the pupils. Very well done!

Two more charters this week.

The first was that of Barnoldswick & Earby and took place at the Eaves Hall Hotel, where Ribblesdale club used to meet. Guest speaker was someone from close to my home in South Cumbria. Robert Wheatley is a mine of information on things from the past and he skilfully wove his presentation around a selection of small antiques he’d brought along.

Robert pours for President Richard

The next night it was on to Turf Moor, the home of Burnley Football Club, where Burnley Pendleside were holding their charter. Talk at the venue was of an impending Royal visit of The Queen and Prince Charles.

Main guest at the charter was someone else I’d come across before. Dusty Young is a softly spoken comedian from Ireland who I worked with when I organised Charity Dinners for my own club. Although it’s several years since I’d seen Dusty his magical way of telling the jokes was still a delight.

Just come down from the Isle of Skye?

On to the Rotary Club of Lunesdale for their Charter at Bentham Golf Club.

It’s their first charter for a few years and it was very enjoyable.

The response to the Rotary Club of Lunesdale and Toast to the guests was in the hands of President-Elect Gordon Downing-Stewart, resplendent in attire from over the border.

Guest speaker was District Judge Christopher Dodd. He looked at the ageing process with a speech littered with funny stories and jokes.

Christopher Dodd with President Manuel

The following night it was on to the Rotary Club of Blackpool Sunrise for their charter at The Paradise Room at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This is a club that certainly knows how to party with a dance after the speeches.

The week was rounded off the next day when I met up with the Group Study Exchange team which recently returned from The Philippines. They are currently putting together a presentation for clubs.

On from Colne Noyna to the RC of Grange-over-Sands for their 65th Charter Anniversary.

More surprises too for a couple of their members. I had the pleasure of presenting Past President Keith Buckler with a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin for the work he continues for the club. Keith is also a valuable member of the District International Committee.

Colin Wilkinson joined the Grange club at the start of this Rotary year after transferring from the RC of Kendal South Westmorland where he was last year’s President. Colin is also set to become an Assistant Governor on 1 July, but he wasn’t expecting to be named a Paul Harris Fellow. Gotcha Colin!

Keith and Colin with President John

Guest speaker at Grange was Rotarian Belinda Artingstoll, President of the RC of Carlisle Castle. Bel is a Producer/Presenter with BBC Radio Cumbria and she regaled diners with stories of her life and times in front of the microphone.

It was a family affair at the Annual Charter of the RC of Colne Noyna.

I was able to surprise Geoff Wolfenden by naming him a Paul Harris Fellow for his dedicated work for the club. Later it was my pleasure to propose a toast to Geoff’s dad Peter as he accepted Honorary Membership.

Colne Noyna President Ian Brown with Peter and Geoff Wolfenden

The very pleasant evening was rounded off with comedian Johnny Casson. It’s the third time I’ve seen Johnny at charters this year but he was still as funny as ever.

Off to Wales for the RIBI Youth Speaks Final. It was a battle of words, wit and wisdom as teams from across the country delivered outstanding performances at Glyndwr University, Wrexham.

RIBI President Ray Burman with Southlands

Our District was represented by Southlands School in the Intermediate Category. Their presentation ‘How Great is Great’ was extremely well delivered and articulated. The standard in the final was so high that the judges found it extremely difficult to separate the teams, so the girls missed out on a place. However they should be proud of their achievement in being amongst the top seven in the country and hopefully the experience will be of use in their future careers.

John McDowall Governor of host District 1180 presents the certificates

The ability to articulate a point of view in a fair, balanced and accurate manner is a valuable skill. RIBI Youth Speaks enables youngsters to hone that talent which will be useful in future life in interviews, presentations, teaching and many more areas.

Following the final it was a trip to Alcester for the final RIBI General Council meeting of this Rotary Year 2011-12.

You may remember that at District Conference I presented a bottle of the End Polio Now tomato ketchup to each speaker to raise awareness of the project.

Well it certainly didn’t go unnoticed by Kendal President Richard Bird who returned the compliment at the club’s Annual Charter at the Stonecross Manor Hotel. Richard used one of the empty bottles to present me with a very generous cheque for the campaign.

Principal speaker was Howard Petch CBE who had regaled diners three years ago. Richard was so impressed that he invited him back, and nobody was disappointed as Howard put across his personal message with a great deal of humour.

Howard receives a charity cheque from President Richard

A trip out into the country for the 66th Charter of the Rotary Club of Great Harwood & Rishton. What a fabulous view from the dining room of the New Drop Inn.

After the usual speeches diners were treated to the delightful singing of 14 year old Grace O’Malley. There was something for everyone, including a favourite from Les Miserables, and a brilliant rendition of Kathleen Ferrier’s Blow The Wind Southerly. As a Liverpool supporter I was pleased to hear You’ll Never Walk Alone - just a pity I didn’t have my scarf!

I’m sure we’re going to hear more of this young lady in the future so remember her name!

Grace with President Malcolm