Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Spiderman the Kidsgrove hero A fond farewell from outgoing.. . District Governor Brian Reilly piderman and his gang of helpers were seen out and about in Kidsgrove, handing out sweets and treats to I hope you are all staying safe, well and coping with these children all over the town. KSidsgrove Rotary, together with Clough changing times. As Paul Harris said in 1935: Hall junior parkrun, Denise Coffey and Spiderman himself, spent several afternoons walking around the town, handing out to the children. All at a safe How true that rings today. Who would have imagined at distance of course. the beginning of January 2020 that by the end of March we would all be socially isolating and our collective meetings would be banned? But they are and we have and are changing. Online meetings have become the norm and fellowship via these virtual meetings has replaced contact meetings for the time being for many of us. Despite these differences I have enjoyed my year as District Governor and have made many new friends as well as renewing old friendships. Thank you for making me so welcome at the events you held.

e have found that with social Musician” and “Youth Speaks (The Debate), isolation the volunteering as well as the District “Young Chef” and aspects of people in our society other youth competitions. has increased and many more are seeking ways to support and participate Sadly, the National Finals were not able to A virtual guest iWn community and larger projects - just look go ahead for these competitions due to the at the response to Captain Tom’s walk for national Volunteer Expo event at the NEC the NHS - fantastic. Online meetings give us in May being delayed for a year. ellington’s virtual special as Rotarians an ideal way to engage with guest becomes a real these community volunteers via Rotary at We are however delighted that Luke Rotarian. John Armstrong “No cost”, providing new ways for helping Millington (a volunteer for Hope House was introduced as a special and creating a source of opportunity for our Childrens Hospice) sponsored by Telford guest to Wellington Rotary at the first work “Service above Self”, particularly to Centre Rotary Club was selected for a Wzoom meeting of the whole club on 22 connect to the many and varied “Rotary Young Citizen Award 2020” and June. John was recommended to the organisations that are being supported was presented with his award on the BBC Telford Tree of Light committee as a throughout the Staffordshire, Shropshire News TV channel in May. web site expert when an upgrade to the and Black Country area of the West Midlands. If you are a non-Rotarian reading this Wellington Rotary and Tree of Light magazine, you will see Rotary provides Fun, websites was recommended by the Many in the community have commented Fellowship and that opportunity “With a current maintainer when support for on how pleased and happy they have been purpose” to all, so no matter what your website software DRUPAL 7 was to engage with Rotary in all sorts of interest or desire to get involved is focused withdrawn. activities, Rotary Books4Home, PPE around, talk to your local Rotary club or it was also recommended that the web equipment for local hospitals and hospices contact via www.rotary1210.org or sites should be hosted in a and now social distancing kits, support for www.facebook.com/RotaryD1210/ commercial environment. John has food banks and providing resources to help spent a lot of time converting the web with reopening charity shops. I look forward to working with current sites to WordPress and has also members and those who join during this put the club in touch with a local coming year and wish new DG Ken the very hosting company. Earlier this year, we were delighted that best for his year. Rotarian Dr Viquar Qurashi of the Rotary ‘As a result of reading ALL of our Club of Sedgley & Wombourne, received a website (possible the only one who has) Rotary “Champion of Change” Award. Best Wishes he became keen to join Wellington Rotary so we must have been doing We hosted two District, then very Brian Reilly something right!’ says Peter Seaward. successful Regional Finals for the “Young Immediate Past District Governor D1210 2 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Rotarians support Mayfair by going Wellington’s without their dinner Bursary scheme

o - this was not an attempt to Rotary is recognized as an organisation lose weight, but to give pounds that exists to help struggling communities ince 2006 the Rotary Club of that otherwise would have locally and internationally, and its motto is Wellington has supported been spent on Church Stretton “Service above Self”. Due to the impact of students who move on to club dinners twice a month. But with the Coronavirus the club was not able to Higher Education or into arrival of Coronavirus, face to face organise fundraising events or undertake work with an award to help them in N their studies. Students are interviewed meetings have been banned to comply street collections, so it was agreed that it S with the government instructions to stay at would look for donations from members. by a panel of Wellington Rotarians home, be safe and save lives. Yes members did go without their dinner who then recommend a recipient, Club members are fully aware that the but more importantly they were able to subject to examination results. demand for the delivery of meals to homes send £1,085 to Mayfair as a contribution The 2020 recipient of the award is increasing week by week and thankfully to help them to help people who are writes: “Hello everyone! I’d like to Mayfair are managing the situation by struggling within their local community. start by saying thank you for your attracting additional volunteer deliverers. generous assistance in my education. You chose me for the Rotary Club bursary last year and I was able to get an iPad for university. It’s brilliant. I Thank You Lend with Care use it for everything. Writing up notes, using the apps available for my t Mary's Catholic Primary School Project anatomy classes and even getting thank Rotary Club of Stoke on creative for future businesses I’d like Trent for their donation towards to start! ‘I hope you are all well and its hygiene facilities!! We really alsall Saddlers Rotary's Lend safe! I can’t believe it has been a year appreciate your help towards keeping us with Care Project which since I met you all at lunch. Time flies sSafe and clean in school. provides small low cost loans when you are having fun. I have nearly to entrepreneurs in completed my first year at Brighton developing countries, has provided loans University and it has been great! I tWo Anita Ballena Tandaypan and Rosa have enjoyed it very much. I’ve been Villegas Martinez both from Peru. Anita taking advantage of the different needed the loan for her retail shop and societies and clubs. I’ve met people Rosa needed funding for her poultry and from different parts of the world and animal farming business. The club wishes it’s been great. them well with their businesses. “I am glad I made the decision to go to university as it’s such a fantastic experience. I am definitely looking forward to going into my second year in September once this Coronavirus peak has passed. The current situation has made me more determined to help make a difference in healthcare. Stay safe and well!”

Rotary Keeps the Distance NEXT ISSUE The NEXT issue of ROTO will be for Hospices published in JANUARY 2021 .

ho would have thought that Hospice shops are a lifeline for many COPY DEADLINE DATE entering a shop could be a people and a tremendous source of much NOVEMBER 30th 2020 bit of a puzzling experience? needed income for hospices. Through a Where to stand? How to be grant and generous donations the Rotary Please email articles to the friendly at the till but not risk the health of clubs in the district 1210 (Most of tWhe operator? Staffordshire, Shropshire and part of the Editor Cressida Dickens Hospice shops have started to reopen for West Midlands) are managing to donate E: [email protected] / business but will need all the social social distancing equipment for about 70% Designer Linsey Bradley distancing equipment required in other of the over 100 hospice shops in their E: [email protected] shops. Graphics to stand on, hand district so far. sanitising stations to squirt, sneeze screens to protect – all are needed by every store Design & Print by Quill Design Ltd and hospices need every penny they have T: 01384 566266 for their invaluable services. www.quill-design.co.uk

SUMMER 2020 ROTO 3 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Getting to know you... Ken Wagstaffe District Governor

How long have you been a What has been your greatest Rotarian? inspiration in Rotary? Since 1985 so 35 years. The work of Rotary Foundation in the developing world, especially water, How were you introduced to sanitation and healthcare. Rotary? What is your favourite type of Who would you hate to be stuck I was asked by Scott Webster, former holiday? in a lift with? President of The Wrekin Rotary Club. An outdoor adventure. An elephant. I have an unexplained phobia What was your vocation before of confined spaces. retirement? What do you do to relax? If you had to be stuck in a lift Chartered Public Finance Accountant. My Please define ‘relax’! with someone, who would you working environment for the last 25 years Name a book and a record you of my professional life was spent as an prefer it to be? adviser in the developing world on a wide would take to a desert island? Michelle Obama. range of urban and rural development Wilbur Smith ‘When the Lion Feeds’ and projects for organisations like the World Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ What is it about this lady you Bank, United Nations and the British Department for International admire? Development. The last few years were Her style and approach to humanity. spent predominantly advising the Russian Government on Public Finance and How would you like to be Accounting. My international interest remembered? within Rotary has come from my career. I want to be seen as ‘Firm but fair’ and that How many countries have you I lived by the Four Way Test. worked in? Can you say something more More than 40 so that’s most parts of the world apart from South America. about yourself. What is your favourite country? Reveal something about yourself I am very logical and a team player. I hope that might surprise us? people will talk to me during my year. My After the UK it is difficult to decide door is always open to discuss issues and because I have enjoyed them all but if I watch Coronation Street, which I suppose to just simply chat. I have a very pushed I would choose Tanzania. It was might qualify as an answer to how I relax. supportive wife in Doreen. the first country I visited so it has an emotional link. Name your favourite TV How do you see Rotary and has it programme? What encouraged you to go for changed? District Governor? Question Time with Fiona Bruce, and just I don’t think Rotary has changed about any documentary on the great significantly, its aims and objectives are Twisted arms and legs! But I have a desire outdoors. the same, but the delivery of services has to develop a more collegiate form of If you could meet an historical altered somewhat. I aim to recognise the governance which encourages and best in Rotary in the coming year, and supports a high degree of club autonomy, figure, whom would it be? support that. We have an opportunity for and reducing waste and, therefore, cost. Dinner with Winston Churchill, Nelson new beginnings and while clubs continue Creating a committed team of people I can Mandela and Admiral Lord Nelson. All on, they can embrace and adapt to their trust and can work with is essential. great leaders of their time. new situation. For example the Wrekin What are your leisure interests? club has changed and moved from being If you had an unlimited supply of very formal. There is no club council and Mountaineering, travel, photography. one thing what would it be? all members are involved. There is one business meeting a month. Wearing What is your favourite food? Stamina. The cup of tasks is always brim t-shirts is more comfortable too. They A real Indian curry. full. show a more relaxed approach to the Is there something in life that historic public impression and perception What was your first car? of Rotary. you have never understood? Standard Vanguard Mk 2 costing £250 second hand and successor to my Triumph The female thought process (ask the wife!). Tiger 110 motor bike.

4 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 District Assembly and Beyond From incoming District Governor Ken Wagstaffe

his year’s District Assembly was and beyond. The feedback that we have very different from anything received is extremely encouraging and previously undertaken and I we feel that we have a good base from hope that those who attended which we can develop for the future. found it interesting and stimulating. Rotary is a global brand which has TThe current pandemic and subsequent rightly achieved a highly respected and lockdown has forced us to radically trusted status around the world and rethink how we do things. now, as much as at any time in the past, It is clear that the world has been there is a need for Rotary’s commitment changing for some time and it has to support communities at home and become increasingly digital. internationally. The District Assembly The younger members of society now is an event where club leaders pretty much conduct the whole of their collectively join together to consider our lives using electronic communications activities for the coming Rotary year and this has meant that we of the older and where we get to understand the generations have had to adapt to this global message that Rotary is new world. Some have found that promoting. that they will seek speakers from the change easier to manage than others. The district Leadership team is here to district team several times during the For the District Assembly the District provide support and assistance to year so that club members can find out Training Officer Barry Picken and I had members and to clubs but we need to first-hand about what services and to take some decisive action at short know what help and support you need. support district can provide. notice and with the help of our whole This means that we need a good The momentum built up at the District leadership team we put together the dialogue between clubs and the district Assembly needs to be maintained and series of breakout groups using the team and that is where the Assistant encouraged and we have agreed that Zoom video conferencing tool. Governors have a big role to play. In there will be a series of similar sessions I was extremely pleased with the way the current situation the use of video throughout the year where club officers the sessions were received and the conferencing is a practical way to keep and district leaders can continue the contributions that attendees made to in touch with one another and we all dialogue that was established over the the sessions. Each session was well need to engage with this new way of last few days. attended and many cases it was felt that communicating. These new ways of working should there were more attendees than we I have asked Assistant Governors to improve the relationships between clubs would normally expect at a traditional maintain regular contact with the clubs and the district leadership team and District Assembly. There is no doubt in their zones and to speak to Club they will have a significant effect on the that there is a great deal of positivity in Presidents regularly not just through cost of running the district. the district and a genuine desire to the formal zone meetings. Club make Rotary work through the crisis Presidents in 2020-21 have all agreed Club nominated for Our Heroes award

he Rotary Club of Stoke- on- Trent that they need. the Rotary Club of Stoke -on- Trent has has stepped up to help wherever it "Similarly the Holy Trinity Church tells us been nominated for an Our Heroes Award, can during the pandemic. what they need, be that soap, shampoo or in the Community Group of the Year Monthly cash donations have tinned food and we go out and get it for category, for its ongoing support of the been made to The Hubb Foundation and them. The Hubb Foundation is also doing people of North Staffordshire during the STtoke- on -Trent Food Banks, and Rotary such a fantastic job for people in a poor pandemic. members have been shopping to buy items state and also some key workers who are The club, which was formed in 1927, has a for other good causes. Club Secretary on low incomes." The club bought 400 long history of supporting good causes David Woolrich has been out using club visors and shared them out between care across the city and the wider area. funds to buy long life food and hygiene facilities including West Croft Nursing in Recent projects have included paying for products then delivering them where Hanley, Stadium Court in Cobridge, New sanitary products and spare clothing for they're needed. Lodge in Lightwood Road, Wilbraham high schools so that girls don't miss out on The Nappy Project and Holy Trinity House in Audley, Holly Lodge in schooling due to having a period. Church in Harthill have each received a Werrington, The Douglas Macmillan David added: "A lot of education is monthly delivery from David, which he Hospice and The Hollies in Hanley. David missed by these youngsters. Having spare says will continue for as long as needed added: "We were trying to help the people clothing in schools works really well. and club funds allow. who had been missed, the little places that Schools hand out what we provide for David said: "We quickly realised that we might not have any PPE at all. People them and then when it's all gone we top it should be focusing on helping those who know about the two large hospices in the up. We've been doing it for a couple of are in turn helping people in a very poor area but there are so many little places years now." state. The Nappy Project gives us a doing similar things that don't necessarily shopping list and we go out and buy items have people fundraising for them." Now SUMMER 2020 ROTO 5 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Rotary Club of Facing the pandemic safely

Stoke on Trent he Rotary Club of Audley has Responders. This was an excellent bought 300 full face visors in the initiative by the Rotary Club of Cannock ev Chris from Holy Trinity Rotary Club of Cannock resulting in many people on the front line Church at Hartshill received campaign, made by Kazoo Print being able to access these as part of their a donation of goodies for Solutions. These were taken to very PPE, and kept safe. their Food bank from Rotary grateful local Care Homes and local First CRlub of Stoke on Trent for June. T Teddy bear bonanza

n urgent call for knitted teddies Castle Inner wheel, The Izaak Walton was answered recently. The Masonic Lodge and members of the public. Buddy Bag Foundation found Stafford Castle Rotarian Chris Johnson, themselves out of the small the teddies’ friend and chauffeur collected chaps. So Rotarian Sylvia Kerris of them from various locations and EAccleshall Mercia co-ordinated the appeal transported them with Sylvia to the Buddy in the Stafford and Eccleshall area and the Bags Foundation at Sutton Coldfield for result was tremendous. Over 250 Teddy packing. After unloading the teddies bears have been donated from Eccleshall, Sylvia and Chris helped with packing of the Rotary Club of Stafford Castle, Stafford Knot, Stafford bags. Walsall Saddlers alsall Saddlers member Ashley Gray is shown having collected supplies from Costco, Erdington and delivering them to the Black CWountry Food Bank at the Ablewell Advice Centre, Walsall. This is part of a $3 million worldwide disaster response grant from the Rotary Foundation to provide PPE and food for vulnerable people in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Remembrance Passed to higher service. Our thoughts are with their families ADVERTISING Austin Cashmore Brian Bass If you would like to advertise in the Dave Reeves NEXT edition of The ROTO Dr. Fraser Dukes Malcolm Cooper call Keith or Linsey on 01384 566266 Mike Ferns Malcolm High or email: [email protected]

6 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Rotary helping our NHS heroes ….and I will walk

he Rotary club of Cannock is 100 miles coordinating a district wide project n March 21st my husband, to provide much needed Joe, and I should have been TPersonal Protection celebrating our Golden Equipment (PPE) for our NHS Wedding anniversary with frontline heroes friends and family. The project which is being O run in conjunction with Kazoo PSG a local printing company who prior to Rotary coming on board had already manufactured and donated some 5,000 visors direct to frontline NHS staff at a Dr Tom Sheeran Rheumatology department Cannock number of local hospitals. Chase Hospital receiving first batch of Visors from Kazoo has turned its entire Rotarian Harold Bould production facility over to making full face visors made to NHS across the District. demanding standards. Rotary are aware of the need to also help local care homes and medical centres and visors made specify to meet their needs Of course, that didn’t happen but were produced and delivered by Rotarians instead of getting upset, being a member as fast as they were produced. of Rotary, I decided to raise some funds The project will continue as long as the for charity by walking 100 miles round need is there and donations can still be and round our garden. I have been a made via Rotary Club of Cannock customer of our NHS since birth (being If any frontline services, care facilities, born in Ebbw Vale makes me especially medical centres and pharmacies etc are in proud) and owe it a huge debt. Just need of face masks at this very demanding before Christmas I had treatment that time please contact your local Rotary club now necessitates me staying in for more details. “lockdown” which is very frustrating, so For more information about The Rotary the walk was a way out. Club of Cannock visit During the weeks I walked and the www.cannockrotary.co.uk or email sunshine has been a huge bonus. I [email protected] haven’t lost an ounce of weight but feel Rotary clubs from across Staffordshire, much fitter. I have discovered Podcasts Shropshire, the Potteries and West and enjoyed the Great Lives set hugely. Midlands plus individual Rotarians , Music has been my companion most of friends and local companies have the walk but there are only so many times responding with fantastic generosity and you can listen to Sloop John B. I know donations to date have reached £15,000 every weed and stone in our garden which has enabled some 12,000 full face intimately. Our local blackbird, Pavarotti, visors to be manufactured was singing as I achieved my goal. The visors needed to fight the COVID 19 Hurrah. The hardest part was the last 10 virus were delivered to frontline hospital miles. staff, care facilities and medical centres However, it has all been worth it. Our across the district. local hospice put out a plea that they Visors were also provided to New Cross were worried about funds as all their Hospital Heart and Lung Department, functions and shops etc were closed and Walsall Manor Hospital and Cannock cancelled so their regular income had Chase Hospital plus many other hospitals stopped. At the time I started, PPE was in short supply so some of the money that has been raised went to buying visors. Toiletries for the Princess The rest will go towards the hospice, who knows, we may need them one day. otarian Anne Thank you to everyone who supported De Vere, of The me, especially the members of the Rotary Wrekin Rotary Club of Stafford Knot, it looks as if, with Club, delivered gift aid, the final total will be around a second batch of £2,000. It has been an experience I shall tRoiletries to the Princess never forget but I will not be putting in Royal Hospital, Telford. for the walk in the next Olympics. Staff from Ward 11 Barbara Wetton received the donations Rotary Club of Stafford Knot from Anne.

SUMMER 2020 ROTO 7 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Goodbye to a Beloved Rotarian

ith the passing of alteration work Alexander Fraser Dukes at done at the his home on May 6th surgery in 2020, one day after his Wombourne, 93rd birthday, a man who was widely Fraser became rWespected and honoured has been lost to friendly with the the City of Wolverhampton and to the Wolverhampton Rotary International movement. architect, the late Born in Willenhall, West Midlands in Guy Wones. Guy 1927, Fraser attended Queen Mary asked him if he Grammar School in Walsall. He played would like to ‘have in the school’s rugby 1st 15 and was also lunch with him’. an accomplished musician with his own This turned out to jazz band. be a meeting of Fraser graduated in medicine from the Rotary Club of Birmingham University in 1950. Wolverhampton National Service then followed and he with the result was due to be deployed to Korea. that Fraser However, an error in military records became a Rotarian resulted in him instead, at the very last later that year. minute, serving as the Medical Officer at He played a the Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury, significant role on where his medical training was put to the Rotary good use. committee Although he declined the offer of established in 1979 for the formation of the District 1210 Polio Plus committee, ‘becoming a regular’ in the Royal Army Compton Hospice, a sanctuary for a post he held for the rest of his life. He Medical Corps, he subsequently served patients with incurable conditions. continued to deliver talks and seminars for twelve years in the Herefordshire Fraser was able to bring first-hand on the Rotary campaign to eliminate the Light Infantry Regiment of the knowledge of the physical, emotional scourge of Polio from the world, with Territorial Army, rising to the rank of and psychological needs of these the result that District 1210 has donated Major. patients and their families. over $700,000 to that cause. His drive, In 1953, Fraser married Beryl Jean, a Considerable funding was needed and energy and enthusiasm for the cause of childhood sweetheart who he had first Fraser’s gentle but passionate and Polio elimination earned him universal met at a school dance. This rock-solid informed approach was a big factor in respect. relationship lasted for over sixty years, the success of the drive to acquire the He was awarded a Paul Harris until Jean’s death in 2015, and provided buildings and open the hospice, Fellowship in 1988, followed by a PHF the unfailing support that underpinned particularly in bringing all the local Sapphire in 2000 and a PHF Ruby in Fraser’s life. At a personal level, their Rotary clubs together in support. 2010. first child William Frazer was born in The first patient was admitted in In April 2014, he received the Rotary 1956, followed by Ian Timothy in 1958 February 1982, and the Hospice was International Service Above Self Award and Catherine Sarah in 1960. Cornish officially opened by the Duchess of Kent – the highest honour in Rotary, in holidays and canal boating were regular in December of that year. It now has recognition of his tireless devotion to features of family life, as were Fraser’s 260 staff and over 600 volunteers. the cause of Polio elimination. considerable skills at both cooking and In November 1984, Fraser was involved A maximum of only 150 such awards gardening. in a public meeting that led to the are made every year across the whole He became a General Practitioner with establishment of the Wolverhampton Rotary world. This was followed in 2016 surgeries in Penn and Wombourne in Multiple Sclerosis Centre. Fraser told by the Rotary Foundation’s 1955. His ability to listen and the meeting that Hyperbaric Oxygen Distinguished Service Award. communicate made him a grand master Therapy (HBOT) represented a The sadness of countless numbers of of the art of family medicine and he breakthrough in the relief of suffering people – his family including surviving continued in this professional role, as a associated with MS. The centre, which son Tim and daughter Cathey, former much loved and well respected family opened in 1986, continues to provide patients, friends and his many Rotarian doctor, until his retirement from therapy and oxygen tank treatment for colleagues across the world - at the loss medical practice in 1992. an average of 150 patients every week. of this kind, knowledgeable and truly Alongside his clinical work, Fraser Within Rotary, Fraser was the gentle man is keenly felt and will last for became well known in medical circles President of the Rotary Club of many years. across Wolverhampton. In the early Wolverhampton in 1983/84, District 1960s, he chaired the steering Governor in 1996/97 and a member of committee that successfully raised funds the Rotary in Great Britain National for the Medical Institute at Foundation Committee in 1997/98. Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital, It was in 1986 that the Chairman of the which now houses the postgraduate District Rotary Foundation committee, centre. He was the Medical Director of later District Governor, Ron Lucas the Wolverhampton out of hours GP tapped him on the shoulder and said service from the late 1960s until 1988. I’ve got a little job for you.’ This In 1966 as a result of having building turned out to be the Chairmanship of

8 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Luke Millington wins Rotary Young Citizen Award 2020 Inspirational Luke Millington wins Rotary Young Citizen Award after raising tens of thousands of pounds for children’s hospices.

uke Millington 21 years old, from Telford, decided to lead a fundraising appeal for Hope House and Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospices and is celebrating after smashing hLis £50,000 goal - raising £60,000. Luke made a video to show how the charity has helped him since he was diagnosed with the incurable muscle- wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It tells how his nurse Rachel has supported him and made him see that anything is possible, such as learning to drive. Luke said: “I’m in a wheelchair but it’s not the be all and end all – I just carry on. There is stuff I can’t do but what’s the point of thinking about what you can’t do?” He added: “I’ve been playing wheelchair football now for five or six years because football is something I like that I didn’t think I’d be able to do. We tackle and crash and it’s pretty cool! My dream is to play for England. I need to play a lot better before that, but I can get there I think!” His story and incredible positivity captured everyone’s hearts and the hospices were bombarded with messages When the world has come out of these an amazing young Ambassador for Hope for Luke, along with donations. unprecedented times, I hope to continue House Children’s Hospices and a complete Luke is thrilled, because the money raised with helping Hope House and Telford inspiration to everyone who meets him. He will fund support for five more children at Centre Rotary with other fundraising was the first of our young service users to Hope House or Ty Gobaith in 2020. projects.” Luke will receive a trophy, share his story. His bravery in speaking so He says: “I feel really lucky to have Hope certificate and £300 to go towards his honestly and frankly about his life with House in my life but sad too that they can chosen project or charity from Rotary in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the only afford to help one in every three Britain and Ireland. challenges that he and his family face children who need them.” The Rotary Young Citizen Awards touched everyone’s hearts and helped Telford Centre Rotary were so impressed Presentation had been due to take place at people to see the importance of children’s with Luke that they nominated him for a the UK’s first-ever Volunteer Expo, hospices.” Rotary Young Citizen Award. Luke has also organised by Rotary International in Great She added: “We are eternally grateful to helped the Club with their Tree of Light – Britain and Ireland at the NEC in Luke for helping to raise an incredible which commemorates loved ones at Birmingham this month but the event has £60,000 through his Luke’s Story appeal Christmas. been postponed until May 2021 due to the which will fund vital care and support for Luke said: “I would like to say a big coronavirus pandemic. other young people, and for being such an massive thank you to the Telford Centre Rotary in Britain and Ireland President inspirational and positive role model for Rotary Club for nominating me for this Donna Wallbank said: “Luke shows how other children and young people who are fantastic award. When Hope House one person can make a difference to many diagnosed with life-threatening approached me to become their others and highlights the need that is still conditions.” Ambassador, I was thrilled with the there to help those who are not currently The Rotary Young Citizen Awards were opportunity to help raise funds for the receiving the help that Luke is able to started in 2007 to celebrate the amazing charity that has helped my family and me receive. Luke is obviously a passionate achievements of inspirational young so much.” fundraiser and so very deserving of this people across Great Britain and Ireland, He added: “Attending fundraising events award which in turn allows his voice to be many of whom have assumed important has given me important life skills such as heard for those he wishes to support too.” responsibilities at a very young age. the confidence to take part in public Vanessa Thomas, Head of Find out about the other inspirational speaking. It has also given me the Communications at Hope House and Ty Rotary Young Citizen Award 2020 winners opportunity to get involved with Rotary. Gobaith Children’s Hospices said: “Luke is at www.rotarygbi.org.

SUMMER 2020 ROTO 9 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Results of the Youth Competitions 2020 Young Artist Junior – 15 participants Winner Maisie Wilkins Clee Hill Community Academy RC Ludlow Runner Up James Lewis Clee Hill Community Academy RC Ludlow Intermediate - 7 participants Winner Sean Jalving Ercall Wood Academy RC The Wrekin Runner Up Fiona Bibin Bishop Milner Catholic College RC Dudley Highly Comm Lauren Cooper Ercall Wood Academy RC The Wrekin Senior - 2 Participants Winner Rebecca Morris Ercall Wood Academy RC The Wrekin Runner Up Isabel Shaw Ercall Wood Academy RC The Wrekin Young Environmentalist Senior – 1 participant Winner Sian Mercer Thomas Adams School RC Wem Young Photographer Junior - 6 participants Winner Bryn Roberts c/o Haberdashers Abraham Darby RC Ironbridge Runner Up Teyana Hayman Adcote School RC The Wrekin Intermediate - 8 participants Winner Chloe Wojda Haberdashers Abraham Darby RC Ironbridge Runner Up Eamon Thorley Thomas Adams RC Wem Highly Comm Kyan Atkinson Chase Grammar School RC Cannock Senior - 7 participants Winner Chloe Simms Haberdashers Abraham Darby RC Ironbridge Runner Up Jacob Ryder Ercall Wood Academy RC The Wrekin Young Writer 16 participants Junior Charlie Griffiths St. Margaret's CofE School, Wolstanton RC Stoke-on-Trent Intermediate Annie Llewellyn Abbotsholme School RC Uttoxeter Senior Maddie Andrews Thomas Alleynes High School RC Uttoxeter

Participation and Winner’s Certificates have been produced and will be sent on to the sponsoring clubs in due course. All the winning entries have been sent to Rotary Great Britain and Ireland. The original artwork for Young Artist is being held as the RIBI offices in Alcester are closed. However scans have been taken of the artwork and sent alongside the entry forms. digital files of the Young Photographer winning entries have been sent. I have received acknowledgement of all the entries.

Robyn Davies, Youth Services Lead

10 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Eye protection visors for NHS personnel by Providing Eye Protection Visors

embers of Church Stretton hospital staff. heartbreaking decisions over whether to Rotary Club and others in Without the supply of Personal Protective carry on without proper protection”. local communities are Equipment, specified and agreed with the Rotary members decided that the club reminded daily of the NHS, patients were at greater risk. needed to help and donated £400 to buy sacrifices that NHS personnel make due to A Royal College of Nursing survey found approximately 320 eye visors that were tMhe lack of or poor quality of Personal staff have been asked to reuse single-use delivered to Shrewsbury Hospital. Protective Equipment. Personal Protective Equipment. They are Clubs within our geographical area have The frontline staff including consultants, clear that this is unsafe and does not currently placed orders for 15,500 eye doctors and nurses risk their lives every provide adequate protection for both the protection visors. day to save others. But they are not alone. user and patients. BBC News reported that Rotary Clubs across the country support Don’t forget porters, ambulance drivers Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the BMA's Council their local hospitals, health centres and and all other personnel working with Chairman, said “Doctors are facing care homes.

Wolverhampton Clubs’ membership success A Let’s Talk Rotary and You campaign has attracted a whole host of new members to the club.

They are: Katie Guest Royal Air Force Museum Development Susan Husband March 2020 MS Therapy Centre Manager August 2019 Sally Woods Compton Care Wolverhampton Lisa Stallard March 2020 Co- founder Wolves Play Cafe & Care Home Facilitator October 2019 Katie and Sally are ‘administratively ready’ members but their official welcome into the club on March 31st has been delayed Julie Hickman because of the pandemic. Programme/Project Manager February 2020 Rotarian Dr Alan Walters Former General Practitioner in Wolverhampton Dr Sudhir Sharma General Practitioner (Retired) Rotarian Helena Walters February 2020 Alan and Helena join us from their Southern Cape Club in South David Hill Africa. Alan is a Past President of The Rotary Club of The City of British Steel Distribution & TA Officer (Retired) / SSAFA Wolverhampton and he is returning to the city with Helena after a February 2020 period of 20 years practicing medicine and developing support services in South Africa.

Stone and District news

ven during lockdown Members still support the community An initial quantity of 400 protective members have been busy hub, whose food bank has seen face visors were ordered through members Rotarians of Stone increasing demand. Cannock club. A Community Nurse, and District. Despite An order for Children in Need whose husband is a Rotarian, and who suspending their twice a month merchandise has been submitted, works from Rugeley received the visors mEeetings, they have started meeting including items requested by other for the team she works with and others. weekly on Zoom and most members clubs. A few extra pieces have been Sourced surgical masks and gloves were have attended. This lets folk maintain ordered so if any local club would like also given to them. touch and to keep up contact through a them ask a Stone and District club difficult time. They have also set up a member. Children in Need Day is still whatsApp group to share news, scheduled for Friday November 13th information, jokes and video clips. this year. SUMMER 2020 ROTO 11 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Food bank heroes

otary clubs across our District reduced incomes. The current situation Etrurua Club have donated food to the covering the West Midlands, demands that Rotarians show we can give Trussell Trust warehouse at Burton. The Staffordshire and Shropshire, Service Above Self, in our own backyard. Trust operates a network of food banks have been pulling out all the There has also been a raised level of across the region. stops to deliver items to local food banks domestic violence incidents reported to Sedgley and Wombourne have sent food aRnd women’s refuges accessing a Rotary Police as couples spend more time together hampers for their local women’s refuge. Foundation grant that allowed each at home, creating tension in some families. This has eight self catering rooms and each participating club £150 each. Here is just a selection of clubs who have received a hamper and a basket of fruit for Food banks have said they expected an distributed food: the children. increase of 30 percent use during the Blythe Bridge and District Rotary have Kidsgrove Rotary has sent food to their coronavirus pandemic period. From sent food items to Blurton Food Bank. In local food bank and promised an ongoing stories heard around the region, where addition they send cash and food on a very commitment to them. many more items of food have been regular basis. Cheadle Club has sent to both their food requested, this seems to be true. Stone and District have sent food to the bank and women’s refuge. Emergency food is needed as thousands Stone Community Hub who have reported of people lose their jobs or families face a massive increase in requests. Foundation Disaster Response Grant by Jayne Cooper Food for Foodbanks and Refuges across the District Social Distancing Packs for the Hospices across the District

his pandemic has led us in many window vinyls, sneeze screens unchartered directions. When to protect those at the tills, floor The Rotary Foundation markings etc. So when you introduced the Disaster enter a hospice charity shop Response Grant, I never thought District you must squeeze Rotary to get 12T10 would apply for one. the hand sanitiser and stand on But here I was in early April 2020 filling Rotary District 1210! Katharine in an application form. After asking clubs House Hospice were kind for their ideas it was decided to apply to enough to advise and visited the buy 10,000 visors for health workers and unit to see that the brilliant job for food banks and refuges. done by Kazoo and David A week or so later we were informed we Marklew fitted their needs. had not made the cut to get the grant in The grant will supply nearly the first allocation of money. The Rotary 70 bundles and once again Foundation put more money in – still we many clubs have chipped in to did not make it and then more money in support their local hospice shop and we made it in early May - only the so as things stand we will be second district in England to do so. By this supplying over 90 of the over time clubs had magnificently funded and 100 shops in our district. picked up the visors which were playing an Well done and thanks to all important role within the hospitals and the who have made this possible. community. However hospices nationwide were struggling to maintain services. So it was decided to support the hospices in our district by providing social distancing equipment to keep all safe in their shops as they reopened. Meanwhile the money for the food banks and refuges went out to the zones to work with the clubs to decide the best way to Rotary helping foodbank distribute the funds. Zone 6 were first out of the blocks with the Black Country Food massive thank you to everyone International Disaster Fund. The Blythe bank benefitting from about £150 worth of who has given to Blythe Bridge Bridge and District Club voted to increase food from the grant, with Tesco, a and District Rotary's Foodbank this donation to £200 and also had a £20 corporate member of the RC of Dudley, collection. This food was given voucher from Tesco. adding a further £50. Some of the other by Rotarians, family, friends and Local Foodbank has experienced a 400% clubs in zone 6 decided to fund food for the Aneighbours and been taken to the increase in demand, so it has been Good Shepherd Ministry (a homeless Foodbank in Blurton by Martin & Chris collecting and delivering food every charity) and The Haven (a refuge for Kettrick. fortnight since the Coronavirus epidemic victims of domestic violence). In one week four items that filled four car started. Meanwhile back at Kazoo (the company boots were delivered to the food bank that made the visors) they were designing including a £153 donation from the Rotary 12 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Record giving for Community Hub WV11 COVID19 the Foodbank food packs Mutual Aid Group

nce again Telford members tone and he WV11 COVID19 Mutual Aid have come up trumps with District Group thanked Wednesfield their Telford Crisis Support Rotary used Rotary for its kind donation of donations this month. more of its £300, this donation is going Our Treasurer Geoff was able to deliver a grant from The towards food chOeque to the foodbank this morning for SRotary Foundation’s pTarcels for local the sum of £645,a fantastic response. Covid-19 Worldwide people & will Since the lockdown began our donations Disaster Fund to help tackle food have been £463 in March, £544 in April provide additional poverty as we and now £645 in May, a total of £1652. fresh meat to be recover from This is in addition to our pre lockdown distributed by the the current giving of over £900 together with some Stone Community pandemic. three tonnes of food and toiletries. Well Hub in its food packs. The club thanks done everyone! Lee Walker Butchers for their support as the club helps its local community to get through these difficult times. Thank You Rotary Wellington raises funds for Severn Hospice on VE Day 75

ow do we raise money for had to make major adjustments to how charity during lockdown/social they're provided. Now telephone calls and distancing? That was the home visits where appropriate, are big thank you to the Rotary of question Wellington Rotary replacing the day service sessions where Uttoxeter who have helped Club President Vic Young posed to his patients came to the hospice and clinics restock the Helping Hands members in late April wanting members to are being carried out via remote Community Cupboard during H focus on the 75 Anniversary VE consultations. The pandemic has also the lockdown. celebrations. meant the hospice suffered a significant A The club had heard that Severn Hospice blow to its ability to raise funds as its was desperately in need of PPE for its staff shops closed, events were cancelled and and visitors, so they became the nominated supporters were confined to their homes. 90th Charter year charity to fundraise for. Then ideas were Overall, the hospice estimates it is losing needed… Suggestions included: pushing a an estimated £100,000 a week in ewcastle under Lyme Rotary wheelbarrow around a garden 75 times; fundraising. This is why the community's Club are in our 90th Charter climbing 75 steps etc. ongoing support has been so vital and year, Ninety years of serving Rotarian Dan Scollard Kerr suggested he heartwarming says the hospice's Director the Community in Newcastle set up equipment in his garage to play his of Care Becky Richardson: “We rely on the under Lyme, but still we keep going and guitar and sing 75 songs, looking to be community so much all year round; its IN hope we shall do for many years to sponsored for each by friends and support is unwavering in normal come! Rotary Foundation have given us neighbours in Donnerville Gardens, circumstance and COVID 19 has not a grant to help out where we can during Admaston. changed that. this very sad time of Corona Virus, we During the 5 hour marathon he raised “We can’t stop caring and our supporters chose to spend it on PPE for hospices, over £750 and, in case you were know this; it is these individuals, Food Banks and Womens Refuge's in wondering, Apache by the Shadows was businesses and groups like the Rotary our region.(Rotary is made up of zones the most requested song. Clubs, who are finding creative ways to and Newcastle under Lyme is in zone 3) Altogether, Wellington Rotary Club support us, who make such a difference to and each zone had a share of the 20,000 members raised over £3,500 for Severn the families in our care. dollars given to us, to spend. This week Hospice and thank everyone who donated “The Rotary Club of Wellington’s it was for Food for Food Banks and and helped in any way. sponsorship donations will help us comply Womens refuge. We chose to spend our Severn Hospice response with new PPE requirements on the wards, money on the Food Banks and I chose, Severn Hospice has made no secret of which are that it must be worn at all times St Lukes Church Clayton, The Bethel how much the pandemic has affected it, whenever we’re caring for patients. Most Temple at Silverdale, The Elime Church but have been proud to say its staff have importantly, it means families can still visit at Chesterton and the Congregational not stopped caring for families in Telford their relatives if they're staying with us. Church in Newcastle. and across the region. Now more than ever, we know how Its core clinical services (community and important family is to everyone.” ward based) have been protected but it has SUMMER 2020 ROTO 13 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Moving farewell to D&G’s Dave

charismatic Rotarian who died D&G Bus Company. Dave tackled the following a sudden illness was business side of the operation alongside honoured with a cavalcade of his regular job until joining D&G full buses as he was laid to rest. time in 2002. The convoy was in honour of D&G Bus In that same year, Dave married Clare- fAounder, David Backhouse Reeves, who Anne just 12 months after they first met passed away on Monday, May 11. He was via a dating website which they had both just 61. subscribed to while juggling demanding Although only 11 people were able to careers. The couple settled in Kingstone attend his funeral due to Covid-19 where they brought up their two sons restrictions, scores of people lined the Taylor, 17, and James, 15. Clare-Anne streets as the funeral cortege passed said: “Dave and Gerald started out with through Uttoxeter on Wednesday, May three buses. In the early days it was a 27. Buses painted in the original blue struggle, but when I met him they had and cream D&G livery in memory of expanded to eight buses and it was quite Dave – and co-founder the late Gerald a lot to deal with. Dave was incredibly Henderson – were joined by buses from charismatic and a great negotiator, so firms across the industry, which were he dealt with things like tenders and decked out with black flags and paused contracts while Gerald managed the to sound their horns on arrival at day-to-day operation of the buses. Stafford Crematorium. “We had a lot going on with getting Dave grew up in the farming married and having children all around were also very important to him. community, going to school at the same time as Dave was building up “The diagnosis prompted us to undergo Marchington Woodlands where he the business. Dave was a fantastic father a major lifestyle change. We both earned a stellar reputation on the – at the weekends he loved playing with basically retired and moved to Grindley. football pitch before moving to Ludlow the kids. Joanne and her partner Tim Dave found a new interest in keeping with his family as a teenager. were also supportive whenever Alice hens, ducks, geese and goats. He started He returned to the Uttoxeter area after came to stay with us and later, when making pens for the animals, which leaving college, taking a job at Lymer’s Dave became ill. Dave and I always surprised me as he’d never shown any bus company in Tean, which was owned supported each other. The teamwork interest in DIY before, but he’d look it by his aunt and uncle, Florence and was there from day one and it was vital up on the internet, find the right Aubrey. A spell working at Stevenson’s in overcoming whatever life threw at materials and make everything from Buses followed and Dave also played for us.” scratch. He took up golf and became local football teams, including Rocester Dave was devastated when Gerald – really good at it. FC. the G of D&G – passed away in 2006. We travelled as well, including trips to During his first marriage to Joanne, He took some time out, including a trip Barbados and Portugal. Dave became a father to Alice, took a to Australia before, with the support of “We did a lot in the last four years. He job with the ambulance service and Julian Peddle, eventually returning to took so much pleasure from looking completed a Masters degree in business. the company and expanding even after his animals and being out in the When their marriage ended, Dave further. garden. He beat the cancer and he was decided to combine his experience A keen football supporter, Dave fitter than he’d ever been.” working in the bus industry with his launched Uttoxeter Walking Football Dave was also a supporter of a number business knowledge and in 1998, joined Club at the town’s leisure centre, being of charities and joined the town’s Rotary forces with Gerald Henderson to form an active member and player until an Club, serving as its President for injured knee and cracked 2019/20 and hosting a fund-raising rib prevented his night for a project providing clean water returning to the sport. and sanitation for communities in A diagnosis of throat Africa. cancer in 2016 prompted A respected figure in the bus industry Dave to retire from D&G, and a popular man in the Uttoxeter although he retained a area, Dave is mourned by his wife Clare- role as non-executive Anne and children Alice, Taylor and director until he passed James; his mother, Iris Reeves and away. Clare-Anne, said: sister Carole Nixon, brother-in-law Paul “Dave was a confident and their children Lisa, Josh, his and up-front person. partner Paula, and Joseph. Once he made a decision Clare Anne added: “Because we have he would stick to it. He interests in other bus companies who was great with people – had tremendous respect for Dave, they you always knew if he drove in procession to his funeral to pay was in a room – and in their respects, which was very moving. his younger years he was It was also really emotional to see so very vocal on the football many people standing and clapping pitch. His work with the along the route.” Rotary Club and the charities he supported

14 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 A great example of a busy club

ewcastle under Lyme’s 2019/20 President Rene Carlisle looks back through the club’s busy time around lockdown. She writes: ‘ We had three entrants in the MNusic Festival in Wolverhampton and one of them won the instrumental heat. It was Oliver Jones on the saxophone, who went on to win the District final. He didn’t win the regional finals at The Wrekin College in Telford but delivered an outstanding performance. ‘Along with most other clubs, we closed down our conventional meetings and set up a whatsApp group and a Zoom group for meetings. We ran a small quiz, donated £650 to the Peter Pan charity and £500 to We held a successful bucket collection Action for Children. Also £2,225 to too. I took over from Past President Paul Newcastle’s Our Space. Bradshaw and had an excellent team of officers throughout the year. ‘We have delivered 2,400 face masks bought through the Cannock Rotary Club visor campaign, and gowns for an ex colleague and his medical staff. I have been making scrub bags for the Royal Stoke Hospital too. ‘Also Rotarian John Wilson from the Buddy Bag Foundation and Rugeley Rotary, received 101 bears from us. They were hand knitted by wives of our members, myself and some friends. A special thank you must go to Mrs Anne Lewis (Rotarian Brian’s wife) who knitted an amazing 50 bears. ‘We held a great Indian evening featuring the Indian Dancers, in aid of the End Polio Now and Greenfields Africa, and several excellent speakers over time. For example, The President of the Lady Soroptimist group, Kate Moore, spoke about Cluster Bombs. ‘Finally Rotarians Frank Hayes and John Sutton celebrated their 90th birthdays. Treasurer Rob Wilcox and Bulletin Editor Past President Jurek Biegus received the Paul Harris Fellowship for services to Rotary. Jurek’s pin was the coveted Sapphire pin.’ She said.

SUMMER 2020 ROTO 15 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Queen’s award An MBE for Barry Picken arry Picken, former District update Governor and a member of the Wednesfield club was presented eronica Lillis a Deputy with an MBE at Buckingham Lieutenant of Shropshire wrote Palace on Thursday, 5 March by Prince to Wellington Rotarians for a CBharles. catchup and she asked their He was accompanied to the Palace by his Tree of Light organisers how they were wife Jenny, and son and daughter, James cVoping during the lockdown. and Hannah. Barry received the award for She said: services to the community of ‘I am writing from the Queens Award Wolverhampton and the West Midlands. for Voluntary Service panel to all our A former chairman of the health service award winners to see how you are faring in Wolverhampton, Barry joined the Board in this time of lockdown. of the former Primary Care Trust in 2002, ‘Hopefully your wonderful work has not became chairman in 2006 before been too affected at this stage of becoming chairman of The Royal gathering names for this year's Tree, but Wolverhampton Hospitals Trust in 2010, a we send our best wishes to you and all position he stood down from in 2012 as he your volunteers.’ prepared to become District Governor. He joined the Wednesfield club in 1976 Preparation for the 2020 campaign has He is a former chairman of the City of but had to leave because of business rather slowed despite the committee Wolverhampton College joining the Board relocation a few years later. He rejoined members having more time on their in 2014 following a critical OFSTED report the club going on to become President in hands because there are so many and was a member of the Board that saw 2005. He has been chairman of the imponderables to consider. substantial improvements in the quality of District Foundation committee and This will be 25th year and hoping for teaching and stabilising of the college became District Governor 2013 /14. something special to mark the occasion finances. He was also involved in the He currently hold the roles of District but until the situation resolves itself we planning of the relocation of the college Training and Compliance Officers. Barry believe they are continuing with normal from its current site to a new city centre also holds a Ruby Paul Harris Fellowship. procedures and adapt them to the location. "It was an enormous honour to receive circumstances later in the year.” Barry is also a Trustee of the Breast an MBE and I am very proud of the work The incoming Presidents of the Telford Cancer Action Group and is actively that I have been able to do with Rotary and clubs have decided on the charities they involved in the restoration of the war what has been achieved in Wolverhampton wish to support in general terms. memorial in Tettenhall. and throughout the West Midlands." Half is to be donated to Severn Hospice as in previous years but they are delaying a decision on the charity to receive a 'Touching Little Hearts' quarter share so that the donation can be put where there is a greater need. We are hoping to make the decisions public Global Grant project shortly. Rotarian Peter Seaward said: ‘We are of International Zoom meeting children whose parents could never have course dependant on the goodwill of a about a Rotary project has been afforded to get this corrective surgery number of businesses whose future may hailed a great success. Walsall performed. The families of these children have changed, both in terms of help with Rotarian Dr Mukunda Chidrawar are extremely grateful to Rotary for printing, mailing, and the display of the organised the meeting on the topic of a changing their life for ever. names of loved ones to be remembered global grant ‘Touching Little Hearts’. This ongoing project is a huge success and sponsorship, but we remain A The project lead from Mumbai, India’s story in the Rotary world of India. confident that there will be a Telford PDG Dr Bal Inamdar, Rotary Club of This Zoom meeting was attended by 67 Tree of Light this Christmas season. Bombay West Coast, R.I. District 3141 gave Rotarians & guests from 4 continents and ‘We expect to issue application forms as a talk on this ongoing project on funding to 4 countries (England, USA, Zambia & usual in the last week of October and carry out heart operations on babies & India). Possibly a new record in our start displaying the names in mid children born with congenital heart defects. District. An excellent example of ‘Rotary November.’ he added. This has given a new lease of life to Connects the World ‘and’ Rotary at its Best’ Lockdown news from Kidsgrove

t this time of year Kidsgrove Club to the volunteer group Kidsgrove is usually busy organising the Coronavirus Support. They are taking annual Community Day, the cooked portions to the most vulnerable in pensioners Blackpool holiday the community and have so far delivered and the Party in the Park. However all over 5,500 meals. tAhese events are now suspended until next Rotary has also donated funds to buy face year. shields for local residential homes, and However it has still been very busy. received money to provide food for the Rotary has been supporting the local Kidsgrove food bank. community. A donation of £500 was given 16 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Project in Nepali Village Breakfast for he project to Malawi provide Drinking Water and Sanitation at the Nepali village of Dood PTokhari, Lamjung District is now complete, but due to the Covid 19 lockdown in Nepal the formal handover to the villagers by Rotarians from the Rotary Club of the Himalayan Gurkhas has had to be postponed. arlier this year Stafford Castle Rotarians with their Inner Wheel wives enjoyed breakfast hosted by Stafford Castle Inner Wheel Past President Joy EBristow. The food was excellent, well received and a brilliant way to start the day. Joy hosted two breakfasts to raise funds for the non profit making Medic Malawi run by an ex Headteacher from Wolverhampton. It supports a clinic, school and an orphanage plus other aspects of life a village in Malawi. Joy’s breakfasts raised £150. Ten Pin Bowling

The project was sponsored by the Rotary All labour was carried out by the villagers Challenge Clubs of Eccleshall, Stafford, Stafford without cost to the project. Handover Knot and Stafford Castle bringing ceremonies for such projects are very significant health benefits to a very important events in Nepal, where villagers isolated community 8,449 ft above sea attend in numbers and express their level in West Nepal. appreciation. Guests are decorated with The project provided the building of Tikka on the forehead, flower garlands water and sanitation facilities in Dood presented and music provided by local Pokhari village, water and sanitation musicians. facilities for the benefit of a local youth The total cost of this project (£5,800) club and for the local village community, was raised from contributions from the including an uninterrupted drinking four Rotary Clubs, a grant from the Rotary water supply to the youth club facility and Foundation charity and a Gurkha meal in 27 Households. The water is also used to June 2019 provided by the locally based otarians from Stafford Castle feed domestic cattle. Gurkha squadron. and Dudley contested a closely fought first round in the District Ten Pin Bowling Stafford Castle helps House of Bread tournament earlier this year. Stafford RCastle came out on top as the winners ouse of Bread is an with the various agencies for help. after a good organisation that supports The meals are prepared by their volunteer contest. Rotarian vulnerable and homeless chefs. Although the charity receives Mike Evans from people in Stafford. In normal donations of food their policy is to provide Stafford Castle was times the charity has an open door policy good nutritious meals for people and to the top scorer and and provides food, friendship, support and enable them to do this they also need to the bowling alley H staff were so advice to those in need. Unfortunately purchase food. The charity anticipates that because of Coronavirus they have had to as furlough ends the demand for meals will impressed they refocus their activity. They no longer have increase significantly to probably in the presented Mike an open door for folks who can just turn up region of 150 a day. with a trophy. It for a meal. However they are now As with many charities financial was a splendid delivering between 80 to 100 meals a day 7 donations have dropped significantly. evening of fun and days a week to the needy and vulnerable. Stafford Castle Rotary donated £500 to fellowship. Many of these people have not engaged House of Bread to help them.

SUMMER 2020 ROTO 17 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Les Goodchild lays membership on the table

ow wonderful it is to see so adversity and we have witnessed • 38 of our 52 clubs meet in the evening many clubs across our unprecedented levels of kindness at all District supporting their levels as our communities have • Only one club meets at the weekend communities so effectively in galvanised together in providing a time of crisis as we progress through numerous volunteering roles - we need • There is a population of Hthe Covid pandemic. The number of to reach out to those people. approximately 2M in our activities being undertaken by Rotarians Understanding how we might achieve District with a ratio of 1 Rotarian per is huge. It ranges from stocking food that is a challenge. I read with interest 500 people, we could achieve a banks, donating supermarket gift cards, an article submitted by Karl Wilding, membership of 4,000 (that’s the ratio making and distributing vital PPE, the Chief Executive of the National that exists in D1010). Their worst providing free school meals, Council for Volunteering Organisations ratio is 1 in 8000. This figure would transporting books to care homes for in a recent edition of Rotary. Karl almost double our membership in residents confined to their rooms, examines the changing face of 1210 to around 2,500 collecting much needed prescriptions volunteering and urged us all to and shopping for the vulnerable and so consider making volunteering relevant • The age profile in D1210 shows that much more. This is a prime example of to the next generation. The inference over 54% of the population are prime why so many of us joined Rotary – being that volunteering in a Rotary age for new Rotarians (18 – 59) providing service to others. capacity might not be as relevant as it It has been necessary to adapt how we could be. Karl argues that our younger • 51% of the population is female. Data operate and with good British stoicism, generation are keen to volunteer, albeit from RGBI tells us that only 17% of we have met the challenge. More than that they are likely to support the cause the Rotarians in D1210 are female 95% of clubs in our district are meeting and not the organisation. online. My personal experience suggests that • Membership is missing altogether in Many are using Zoom as a means of people are now less patient with process key areas communication and whilst the platform and are more focused on action and does not suit all, I have been pleasantly therefore we need to consider how we • There are opportunities for surprised at how effective it has been in might accommodate that change in developing diversity beyond those helping us to maintain contact with club emphasis. Technology and access to already identified in the age profile members and beyond. information is key to a more dynamic example So, what of the future? There is environment that allows our younger concern at Rotary Great Britain & age groups to achieve the rapid results • Wider membership opportunities Ireland (RGBI) that the enforced they crave. exist through offering a different style absence of physical meetings and Rotary has to adapt to our changing of Rotary – the suggestion is that a engagement in Rotary activities might environment and develop an approach more informal style is likely to attract adversely affect our membership to membership that is more flexible. If younger members numbers. Without action at club level to we remain focussed on what we do as an maintain appropriate engagement that organisation rather than some of the • Population centres (density) could may prove to be true. For those of you more peripheral activities, I suspect that support new clubs that attended the recent online District we are more likely to be successful in Council meeting, you will be aware that attracting new members. It is difficult • Retention of members is equally as we have seen a higher than usual not to be enthused by our achievements! important as recruiting new members number of Rotarians pass to higher There is no simple formula to provide and therefore we should seek to service (not Covid related). Some really a ‘one size fits all’ solution when it engage our current membership good people who have dedicated a huge comes to operating a Rotary Club – how effectively – particularly those new to number of years of dedicated service to a club operates has to be determined by our clubs others are sadly no longer with us. its membership. If your club is thriving, Against this backdrop, it is critical that congratulations and well done. The Membership Extension and we don’t lose focus on what the However, if you have struggled to Retention team at D1210 is here to organisation is about. It would be a attract new members, perhaps now is a support you in growing your tragedy if we were responsible for good time to examine why. membership. We have a raft of allowing the tremendous work of those Looking at our own club from a new resources and if you need help, please who preceded us, go to waste. We only member perspective is important. Is the don’t be afraid to contact us (details in have to consider the huge success our environment we are introducing the District directory). I am keen to organisation has had in its resolve to prospective members to one that will welcome new members to the District end the most awful of diseases with the both attract and retain them? I’m MER team and also seek input from ‘End Polio’ campaign. Collectively, we absolutely convinced that there are ‘Membership Champions’ – those in our have supported numerous projects people within our society that we simply clubs who are passionate about driving aimed at improving education in areas don’t cater for and therefore, growth membership forward. where opportunities were scarce, opportunities still exist. particularly amongst women….and so it goes on. A superficial survey of our District We are a great organisation that is Whilst there is a nervousness conducted last year revealed the changing and saving people’s lives every surrounding the impact that Covid may following: day, long may it continue! have on membership, there can be little • 75% of our clubs meet on Tues, Weds doubt that the call on our services will or Thurs Les Goodchild increase. There is opportunity in D1210 Membership Lead

18 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Youth competitions in the Cannock area

eams from Kingsmead School and Cannock Chase High School took part in two of the Rotary youth competitions at the start of this year. Each team in the new style "Youth STpeaks" debating competition consisted of three students, one who acted as chairman, a proposer on a selected topic and a third with an opposing view on the topic. The pupils aged 11-17 debated diverse topics such as the death penalty, abortion, success and school uniforms. The teams then answered questions from the audience made up of fellow pupils, staff, parents and members of Cannock Rotary. The teams were judged by a panel chaired by Martin Thornley, Chief Executive of the Stafford & Cannock League of Hospital Friends, a local charity who works closely with the Cannock Club. Martin thanked all who had taken part, and stated that quality of preparation, research and delivery on Martin Thornley from Stafford & Cannock League of Hospital Friends with the some very difficult topics impressed the winners of the Intermediate competition representing Cannock Chase High School. judges. The intermediate team winners who debated the topic of the death penalty were from Cannock Chase High school were Mollie Stevenson, Vipua Mbai and Kayley Cannon. The senior team also from Cannock Chase High School who debated different perspectives of success were Jason Lowe, Daniel Edwards and Paige Hodgkiss. Also year 10 pupils from Cannock Chase High School took part in the local heat of Cannock Young Chef Competition held at Stafford Collage. The Young Chef competition is much more than a cooking competition. It involves cooking a healthy meal in just two hours at a cost of no more than £15 and contestants are marked on food hygiene, food and table presentation. The competition also develops life skills in dealing with a demanding situation as they are preparing and cooking food in front of Martin Thornley from Stafford & Cannock League of Hospital Friends with the an audience of family and friends. winners of the Senior competition representing Cannock Chase High School. The competition was judged by three adjudicators Emma Taylor and Amanda Rafferty from Brocton Hall Golf Club and Janette Arrowsmith, a friend of Rotary, who stated “the standard and range of skills demonstrated by all the pupils was excellent” and “it was rewarding to see the pupils producing such high quality meals when cooking from scratch” The menus prepared included homemade pizza and pasta dishes, curries and a wide selection of desserts. The winner was Aimee Keeling who served a Kerelan fish curry with basmati rice, followed by a dessert of peach upside down cake. The judges from Brocton Hall both said that Aimee’s curry was good enough to serve in the restaurant at the golf club. All competitors were awarded certificates to mark their achievements and the winning teams went forward to the finals of the District competitions. Young Chef L-R Amanda Rafferty, Aimee Keeling, Emma Taylor, Janette Arrowsmith and event organiser. SUMMER 2020 Rotary 19 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Whitchurch fights covid

hitchurch Rotary Club hit without the wonderful community by this virus lockdown. So we decided to go the BBC Radio 2 airwaves in response that we have received from local ahead anyway.” May when members were voluntary groups and individuals. Performers, who had already agreed to congratulated on their “We are prioritising the people we take part, recorded their pieces and sent community work during the Covid-19 consider to be the most vulnerable them in. And video files - including a Wlockdown. potential victims of this virus at local care specially composed song by a Zoom ‘choir’ The tribute was paid by presenter Ken homes. Protective equipment for frontline of Whitchurch Rotarians - were then Bruce in his weekday morning show when, carers has rightly become an essential edited onto DVD discs and are being by early May, Whitchurch Rotarians had defence throughout the country.” provided to care homes and individuals as distributed 1,116 items of ‘personal Whitchurch is also pressing ahead with well as online through the club’s website protective equipment’ to front-line this year’s annual variety concert for and social media. Some discs may be workers at 12 local care homes and related elderly and disabled people...with one big available for sale with profits going to the organisations. difference. Air Ambulance service. Most of the stock of 1,283 face masks, The usual two-night free concert at the Nearly 1,000 people normally attend the plastic visors and laundry ‘scrubs’ bags had Civic Centre can’t happen because of social two Civic Hall performances, each year, been made locally and provided at no cost. distancing restrictions. and many of the less-able are ‘chauffeured’ Some more expensive visors had been paid So, instead, the club is distributing a from their homes, and taken back again, by for at a heavily discounted rate. ‘virtual concert’ on safe DVD discs – for Rotarians. Club president Peggy Mullock care homes and individuals to watch on “It’s one of the highlights of our year,” commented: “The project was co-ordinated their own TV sets or computers. says Maggie, “and we were saddened by in dynamic style by last year’s president, “The concert has become a popular event the thought of abandoning it to Covid-19. Maggie Allen, with Chris Smith and Tony for more than 40 years” says organiser But where there’s a will there’s always a Burch. But it wouldn’t have been possible Maggie Allen, “and we refuse to be beaten way.”

Cannock's new First Responders Ambulance

he crew of the new vehicle visited Mrs Blossom Isreal at The Grange Care HTome to show her and members of the Rotary Club the new fast response vehicle which has gone into full service in the area. The Rotary Club of Cannock donated over £5,100 towards the cost of purchasing the new vehicle in 2019. The money was raised from the Rotary Club’s Christmas collection in Cannock and a substantial legacy left to the Cannock Club Trust Fund by the late Dr David Israel who had been an active Rotarian Cannock Rotary Club members, Mrs Blossom Isreal and volunteer crew from Burntwood & Cannock Chase for over 30 years until Community First Responders he passed away in July 2018. Cannock, Hednesford, and Heath Hayes their local communities including schools. A spokesman from the Rotary Club of was formed 9 years ago when the West The new emergency vehicle has Dr David Cannock stated’ by donating David’s legacy Midlands Ambulance Service identified the Israel name as part of the cars livery. to this local medical emergency charity need for a community-based Emergency Mrs Blossom Israel's was presented with was very fitting seeing how Dr David Israel Response Service. The service is run by a bouquet of flowers by the crew of the had himself served the local community of volunteers many working full time and vehicle. Blossom thanked the crew for Cannock for so many years as a family responding in their spare time and on top taking time out of their busy schedule to doctor from his practice in Hednesford’. of this, they regularly organise and support show her the car named in memory of her Burntwood & Cannock Chase Community fundraising activities and provide free CPR late husband. First Responders – covering Burntwood, and Defibrillator awareness sessions in

20 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Rotary Club of Wednesfield Blurton Food Bank

Communication Changing priorities and he Rotary Club of Blythe Bridge s is the case with many projects being supported and District have been organisations, both business and supporting the Blurton Food charitable, the Rotary Club of The club reviewed its plans so as to Bank. Rotarian Martin and his Wednesfield has been adapting provide immediate support in the wife Chris have been collecting the to ensure to operate productively during Community to assist individuals and local dTonations from friends, neighbours and CAOVID 19 lockdown. organisations. It was a balancing act Rotarians before delivering them to the The club members are now considering between using available Club funds and food bank. how they use these experiences for the keeping a useful sum for when things get future to strengthen the Club’s back towards ‘normal’. communications and social media Some of the good causes supported locally presence?. The club conducted its first are The Haven (safe refuge for Women and Club meeting via group video and despite Children), Good Shepherd Ministry first indications achieved a very healthy (assistance to the homeless and others in attendance. Weekly meetings will be going need), The Harvest Food Bank and the ahead using this format for the foreseeable WV11 Mutual Aid Group (support local future. Who said Rotarians can’t move community during the COVID-19 crisis). with the times?! The club also donated food to the Safety Visors for Care Ashmore Park Inn Food Bank, which was the idea of the landlord of The Ashmore Home staff Inn, Ashmore Park, Kevin Ward who said on receiving the gift of food: "We would In keeping with the theme, and as part of like to thank the Rotary Club for the the club’s work in the Community, amazing donation to the Ashmore Inn Rotarians delivered 320 safety visors that Food Bank, this donation will go towards were donated to care homes in helping anyone that covid-19 has affected Wednesfield. All of them were very financially and who are struggling to put gratefully received, as the homes had been food on their tables. Once again thank you struggling to obtain protective kit. so much and stay safe." The club The visors in Wednesfield were delivered contributed £750 to food banks. to Affinity Trust, Bentley Court, Harper As is the case in previous years we will Ellesmere Rotary House, Newcross Care Home and MHA support Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra, Waterside House. despite their tour being cancelled and it is Regatta 2020 Rotarian Barry Picken said that “The also looking at ways in which it can host visors were a gift from the Rotary Club to some Rotary events but in a different way. organisations that are caring for some of This includes the Youth Photographer Cancelled the most vulnerable. It is our way of saying competition. thank you for all that staff are doing in Although the Sponsored Walk organised n the evening of Tuesday 23rd these difficult times." with Friends of Wednesfield Park had to be March it was announced that Activities Coordinator Michelle Jones, cancelled the club hopes that this can be the Ellesmere Rotary Regatta MHA Waterside House said that “All of the arranged for a date, in the not too distant 2020 had been cancelled. staff at Waterside can not thank you future. Onwards and upwards !! enough for your generosity and send our The Regatta was to have taken place on sincere appreciation and gratitude for the TOhe Mere on Sunday 5th July. The then visors you have provided to ensure our President Elect, Peter Broadbent said, protection. We thank you from the bottom “Sadly this has come about due to the of our hearts...it means the world to us all." restrictions on the work of Rotarians at this difficult time for us all”. Chairman of the Regatta Committee, Ellesmere Rotary Inducts Geoff Corfield explained, “What needs to be done by Ellesmere Rotary and the people and organisations that help us Leslie Aspey cannot be achieved in the current situation”. n March Ellesmere Rotary inducted The two main beneficiaries of the 2020 its third new member in as many Regatta were to have been The Movement weeks when Leslie Aspey of Dudleston Centre at Gobowen and The Lyneal Trust. became its newest recruit. Leslie Geoff went on to say that his committee became better acquainted with the work of would be contacting those who had already RIotary International when her daughter paid over money for sponsorship, sought its help in funding a placement with advertising, as a donation towards this Floating Doctors. Last October Leslie gave a year’s event or as a crew entry fee, in order presentation to Ellesmere Rotary on Karen’s to arrange reimbursement. Any residual experiences, which prompted her to learn money will be split between the two named more about the service to community that charities, whom Geoff indicated as the Rotary provides on an ongoing basis, likely good causes for the 2021 event. leading to her subsequent decision to join.

SUMMER 2020 Rotary 21 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Lockdown gave a chance to do those long outstanding tasks

t would seem that Stafford Rotary Club Members seized the opportunity to get on with those jobs that have been waiting a while to be done. The Rev. John has been wIorking on his allotment and at last painted his fence before he unfortunately hurt himself, whilst following Sue’s instructions to decorate! Senior Vice Stuart has been working on the restoration of his trials car when he hasn’t been helping to clean the green house and the house gutters and washing the roof of the conservatory and windows and his next job to clear the loft! Helen reported - I can still exercise my pony so I have been getting out at “silly o’clock in the morning” and then to keep me awake in the evening, I have been knitting blankets and hats for premature babies at our local hospitals. Last week I saw that Eccleshall Mercia had donated money to “Scrubs for Stoke” a project to provide 3,000 sets of scrubs, plus thousands of laundry bags, theatre hats and head bands. So, the challenge commenced. Karen working hard in her garden, it’s looking magnificent and she even gave her trees a hair cut which is what everyone could do with!

Chernobyl Children’s Charity Project to provide a Minibus

or several years, The Rotary Club •take disabled and special needs children of Stafford has generously to school supported the recuperative •support their foster home which cares holidays organised by the for 4 disabled children Chernobyl Children’s Project (CCP) that • support the palliative care team to take pFrovide a holiday for children aged 10-12 out the children being nursed and move years, each one in remission from their equipment cancers. Our support has usually been to • move physiotherapists and their provide a “Pony Day” where the children equipment to do home visits attend a Riding Stables and learn how to • bring in children for day care and look after a pony and then take part in respite care riding and games. • take the stronger children to sanatoria In 2020, the recuperative holiday will not for sponsored holidays and more take place, however the Rotary Club had already been looking at supporting the The club's International and CCP in a different, but very much needed Foundation Committee sent a way. cheque for £500 for the project In 2013, with the financial support of the which is being led by the Rotary Club of Stafford Knot a Rotary Rotary Lite Club in Newport. Foundation Global Grant was obtained which purchased a minibus that was driven all the way to Belarus to support the CCP's projects out there. Seven years on, and although the bus is still going strong, an old original second bus is dying and the project needs two road worthy buses that can:-

22 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)

I spent the majority of the week with my The final night we were all presented with Oliver Hall group and the group mentor. During the our RYLA polos and our Alumni badges week we had time with our mentor to before we headed down to the hall for the reflect on what we had learnt in the talent evening. The talent evening was fun activities and fill in Johari sheets. Johari and a great way to say thank you to the sheets are all about what you see about course leaders and Rotary clubs which had yourself and what others see in you. funded the course. During the time outside of activities we RYLA was one of the best experiences of were treated to inspirational talks by David my life; it was full of surprises that I Hyner as well as learning about Rotary and couldn’t possibly mention in case any what it is doing in local communities. future RYLArians are reading this. I was We were woken every morning by music promised fun, early mornings and long- that made me feel proud to British, this lasting friendships by my local Rotary club was followed swiftly by PT and a hearty and RYLA sure did deliver that. The course breakfast. It was then on to the main has made me feel more confident and in activity of the day which was completed in control when in a position of leadership. the groups of 7/8. These activities offered a I also learnt it is just as important to range of different challenges but all had support a leader and pitch in with ideas the same aim of improving the leadership where appropriate for the good of the team skills of all involved, alongside this the and in order to complete a task. Since entire week also helped with completing RYLA I have attended two of communication and team-work skills. the annual Alumni events in Slitting Mill The activities included rafting and a and at the most recent event I gave a small rescue mission. speech alongside one of my good friends who I attended RYLA with about what we had done a year on and our plans for the future. I have also given a presentation at my local Rotary club about my RYLA experience, I took questions and had chance to thank the people who had was approached by my head of sixth funded the great experience. to participate in the Rotary Youth I have aspired to join the RAF from a Leadership Award (RYLA), having young age and with the help of Rotary I got very little understanding of Rotary at a station visit to RAF Cosford and a 30- the time it sounded like an exciting minute meeting with the Commanding oIpportunity and a chance to develop Officer of the base. This was a valuable myself. A few weeks later I was visited by a Everyone returned at the end of the insight into the future life I could member of my local Rotary club to give me activity to get showered and changed after potentially live and has set me in good some details and explain the aims of the a long day before having a wonderful stead. I am currently volunteering with the course and some of the things to expect evening meal. After the evening meal is Rotary Alumni of District 1210, helping during the week. when we had to reflect and complete other with designs for book trolleys as well as In August I arrived at Kibblestone scout smaller activities. There was then a small additions to the website. camp where I was greeted by the Rotarians supper before everyone who were running the course alongside the headed to bed, for one Awesome Adventures team. There were night bed was the floor also 28 complete strangers to meet, the under canvas which fellow RYLArians I would be completing wasn’t as bad as it the course with. After introductions and a sounds. Sleep and food little getting to know each other we moved kept us all going, with our bags to our accommodation for the wake ups as early as week, for the boys it was 4 to a room and 4am and nights as late for me it was my room mates that I first as 11pm it was got to know the best. It was then straight important we made the into group activities; the very simple aim most of the little down was to push us all out of our comfort zone time we had. Although and give us the chance to get to know each there was little down other. The ice breaker activities included time, I think that is one simple tasks in pairs and small groups of the best things about before moving into activities with all 29 of the course, being us climbing and rolling over each other constantly on the go while the course leaders enjoyed soaking meant you never us all with water guns. stopped learning and After a large group exercise, which we could make the absolute didn’t complete, we were split into three most of the week there. groups of 7 and my group which was an 8.

SUMMER 2020 Rotary 23 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Ellesmere Rotary Spring Update 2020

llesmere members had a busy which raised £2,500 this year. Half was raising money for the charity Activity start to the year. In addition to its donated to Shropshire, Staffordshire and Alliance, which supports disabled people. ongoing preparations for the Cheshire Blood Bikes, with the remainder Additionally, members decided to donate 2020 Rotary Regatta, Ellesmere split amongst good causes local to £500 towards the national Rotary fund to Rotary was busy with a variety of Ellesmere and environs. Those receiving help alleviate the distress and damage cEharitable and social activities in the early donations included Pam Hillier and Phil caused by the recent flooding in the UK. weeks of the year. The guest speaker for Wilkinson of Blood the 34th Charter Anniversary on Saturday Bikes, John Frost of January 25th was Dianne Carrington, the Ellesmere in Bloom, oldest woman to row any ocean, who gave Edward Bevan of an inspiring talk on her Atlantic Heron Watch, Dianne experiences. The following Wednesday, Harvey of Ellesmere Billy Clubbe reported to members on his Youth Project and self-financed trip as an aid worker to Peru Caroline Ford of last summer, speaking with admirable Ellesmere Brownies. fluency and clarity for one so young. Bob McBride thanked Ellesmere Rotary had previously donated all the local businesses towards Billy’s costs. On the 12th of and volunteers who February an induction ceremony was held helped with this year’s to welcome Penny Moorhouse and Evelyn Tree of Light effort, Woolley as new members of Rotary, before including Day and members listened to a talk by Francesca Night and Tesco, where Left to Right as you look at it: Caroline Ford, Dianne Harvey, Eder about her important role as a Funeral the Book of Names Len Graham, John Frost, Edward Bevan, President Graham Celebrant. could be viewed. Tesco Hutchinson, Phil Wilkinson, Sharon McMullan and Pam Hillier. The following Wednesday there was a also allowed name tags Presentation Evening for the distribution to be hung from their Christmas Tree, and of the proceeds from the Tree of Light, they were planning to allow Rotary to hold its Health Awareness Day in the foyer on Saturday the 25th of April. Bob said, “We are also very grateful for the great generosity of the people of Ellesmere, who have used Rotary as a conduit to support local good causes”. Also, on the 19th of February donations were made from the Club’s own Charity Fund to Len Graham of Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative and Sharon McMullan, who runs marathons for charity. She is currently preparing for a run Rotary Club donate £1,621 to Air Ambulance

n a very cold and windy leap year day, members of the Rotary Club of Cannock visited the Midland Air Ambulance station in Tatenhill. Rotary Club President GOeoff Clegg presented a cheque for £1,621 to the Midland Air Ambulance Charity. The Rotarians were welcomed by Air Ambulance Staffordshire Fundraising Executive Kelly Weatherer and enjoyed inside the helicopter and a very informative talk from an on-duty paramedic. The money donated was raised at the Annual 10K Road Race organised in November each year by the Rotary Club of Cannock.

Left to Right L to R: David Marklew, President Geoff Clegg, Steve King, Ian Hall, Kelly Weatherer, Allan Rotchell, David Gardiner, Alan Matkin. 24 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Kenya Aid Project

ccleshall Rotarian Sylvia Keris Smithy, £10 voucher at The Royal Oak, a amounts raised by fundraising will be safe has been selected to join a team Bouquet or other arrangement of flowers - with options to have a refund, postpone volunteering on a Development by florist Joan Lister, Reiki session (or the trip to a later departure date (which Aid project with the Charity other relaxation therapy of winner's would be either later in the year or early 'Mission Direct' in the Narok region of choice) by Anne McConville, Gentleshaw next year), or to choose an alternative KEenya in summer 2020. The UK Wildlife Centre family ticket, Tickets for project with similar community registered Charity, whom Sylvia Eccleshall Community cinema film shows, development aid work, in a country where volunteered with in Sierra Leone in 2018, Gallery print of winner's choice from Stone it is safe to travel. I would never have been taking short and longer term Artist, Family leisure items and A History voluntarily want to cancel what is a very teams to Kenya for several years - working of Stafford illustrated Reference Book by worthwhile project trip, unless FCO advice with established local project partners to local authors Butters and Thomas. Sylvia means the charity have to cancel it help build schools, workshops and medical will be selling tickets from now until the themselves, in which case I would choose clinics. This year's teams will be helping local builders who are building a multi-purpose educational & training workshop Centre in one of the most deprived areas of Narok. The training workshops will teach skills for employment to adults and children living on the streets, who would otherwise turn to brothel work to feed themselves and their families. Other projects the team will visit and support are the House of Hope girls' refuge - which rescues girls from FGM and early marriage; Nkapilili school for Disabled children - helping them integrate into mainstream education; and a Maternity Unit in the impoverished village of Nturmeti - which Mission Direct helped build last year. All volunteers in the team have to raise a minimum of £2000 to pay towards the trip and project material costs - which includes employing local builders and building materials, and full work travel insurance. The team will be staying in very basic, but safe, accommodation during their time on the project, and having to contend with irregular power and water supplies. draw, which will take place beginning of to transfer any funds I have raised for the Sylvia is hoping to raise her funds in a July. So if anyone would like to buy any Kenya project for a later trip date to the number of ways, and is looking to see if the raffle tickets at £1 a strip, or would like to country with Mission Direct, when it is general public can please help support her book Sylvia as a speaker, or support her again safe to travel there. If advised that it project fundraising. Firstly, provided she fundraising in any other way please, you may be a long time before travel is allowed can get to the venue, Sylvia is happy to can contact her by e-mail on: back to Kenya, then I would opt to do an come along and give an illustrated talk to [email protected] or phone 01785 alternative trip with the organisation in local organizations such as Rotary, Lions, 851005. another of their partner Countries - with WI's, church groups, etc. for a donation; I am being kept up to date with regular similar needs and development aid project and will entertain you with a talk either on information on the situation of travel by works. a previous overseas project or with her the charity Mission Direct. They have So, I am continuing to raise funds for the Kenya project photos on her return. given me definate assurance that should charity project - as any monies raised by And secondly, there will be a Grand Raffle Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice giving talks, selling raffle tickets, etc. will Draw - whereby Sylvia has obtained prizes mean the Kenya trip has to be cancelled be going towards the aid project, whether from local Staffordshire businesses. These (and the situation could change back and for the planned August trip, or for a include: £30 Voucher at London House forth before our departure date 5 months rescheduled later date. Restaurant, £20 voucher for The Old away in August), Our trip money and

SUMMER 2020 Rotary 25 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

James Bond Fun with the Chuckle Children tafford Castle President Malcolm young adults. The session finished with Casino Evening - Haywood and Community the group singing a song from the Greatest Chairman Keith Rogers spent Show on Earth which they performed some time with the young people recently and then their moving song ‘The A Brilliant Success of Chuckles Productions which is based in kid with a pocketful of stars’ the words of Stone. which were their own. Both were brilliant Chuckles Productions, a small charity, and moving. It is fair to say that Malcolm provides supports and services for young and Keith enjoyed their experience. The people of all ages who have various visit concluded with President Malcolm challenges. Malcolm and Keith joined the presenting a cheque for £1,000 to Sara younger children and sang with them the Christie and Sharon Hodson who run the children favourite songs - There is a Frog charity. They were delighted and Sara in my toilet, Wonkey Donkey, and Tom expressed the thanks of all at Chuckles to and Jerry. This was followed by joining in the Club for their generous donation. activities with the older children and tafford Castle’s James Bond Casino Evening, held just before ‘Lockdown’ at Stafford Rangers Football Club, was a fantastic success. Rotarians, their partners, fSamilies and friends enjoyed a superb evening with entertainment by a brilliant vocalist accompanied by a saxophonist, an amazing magician and fun at the casino. On arrival guests were photographed next to an Aston Martin by President Malcolm’s son who is a professional photographer. During the evening there was a superb buffet which was enjoyed by all. The number of people attending was down because of Coronavirus and this is likely to have a significant impact on the funds raised. However it was brilliant evening of fun and fellowship, and the last occasion they were able to Team effort for Technology socialise for a significant time. A big "thank you” to Senior Vice Junior Technology Project event introduction by Rotarian Graham Cole, President Roger Goldman and his wife organised jointly by Stafford Chair of Governors, the young people Karen and Rotarian Brian Seddon and Castle, Stafford Knot and embarked on their design and bridge his wife Jenny for all their hard work in Stafford was held at Silkmore building with much enthusiasm. It was a organising the event and making it a Academy. The scheme objective was to hive of activity and all teams were focused brilliant evening. Aintroduce Year Six Primary School on the task in hand. When all teams had completed the project the Rotarians had the difficult task of choosing a winning team. Stafford Castle Youth Activities Stafford Castle Chairman Mike Collins presented the winners with a special prize and all the Donates £550 to pupils were presented with a certificate. The activity was a tremendous success thanks to Rotarians Mike Collins (Stafford Marie Curie Castle), Gwyn Williams (Stafford), Francis Gaffney and Geoff Cooper (Stafford Knot). he Marie Curie Charity helps over 50000 people with terminal illness each year. They students to the world of engineering and to provide round the clock nursing the challenges involved in producing an care, volunteer befriending to talk and effective working model. lTisten to people, volunteer response The emphasis was on team working with support to people, bereavement support seven teams participating. The project and information. As with many charities chosen was bridge building (civil income has plummeted. To help pay for engineering). Each team was provided nursing care in Staffordshire Stafford with materials such as paper (for design), Castle donated £550. Aaron Coleman wood, cowling, garden netting, A4 card, Community Fund Raiser thanked our string, glue, sellotape, cable ties and pair Club for the “truly fantastic clips. They were also provided with tools contribution”. including scissors, junior hacksaw, bench hook and pencils. After a welcome 26 ROTO SUMMER 2020 Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Ellesmere Rotary: “Lockdown” Update Support for his coronavirus pandemic has and the local Dentist. Trevor helped direct caused cash flow problems for things whilst at home, but as with many in Greenhall nursery many charities and an early our area, since mid-May, he either STAYS decision was taken to raid the HOME or STAYS ALERT, depending on unearmarked Charity Fund to send money which way he might turn out of his drive, reenhall Nursery in Stafford tTo Hope House Children’s Hospices should he actually choose to do so! provides nursery care for (£300), and the same amount to the The most recent recruit to Ellesmere children with serious League of Friends of the Robert Jones and Rotary, Leslie Aspey of Dudleston, joined disabilities. This care, Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), Sewing for Shropshire NHS, a group of provided by the dedicated and amazing the latter to provide PPE and ‘Grab and Go 2,500 sewers that has mounted a sGtaff, continued through lockdown. Bags’ for NHS staff who are struggling to concerted campaign to fill gaps in the For many years Stafford Castle get their essential shopping done. supply of sets of scrubs, gowns, drawstring Rotarians have run the barbecue at the With so many having to maintain self- bags and masks for the NHS locally. At the Greenhall Nursery Summer Fete. isolation at home, relatively few Ellesmere time of the AGM, Leslie had completed 11 The Club always pays for the food etc. Rotarians have been able to get about. sets of scrubs, 18 gowns, 20 drawstring Unfortunately because of lockdown the However, a number have become bags and 10 masks. The group has been fete was cancelled. The fete is the main ‘volunteers’ on the various schemes that fundraising to acquire material to continue fund raising activity and will have a have come into being at short notice, such producing scrubs significant impact on what can be as the excellent one organised by funded for the children (e.g. the Ellesmere Town Council. Such schemes running of the mini bus). To help with have been vital in maintaining a supply of the loss of additional income Stafford food, prescriptions, and other essentials to Castle donated £500 to the nursery. those unable to get out, plus a dog-walking service for stressed pets. Cockshutt resident, Rotarian Ewan Williamson had started to assist before the lockdown and his village's scheme commenced. He found himself particularly busy shopping twice weekly for all manner of items for an average of 10 households per trip of the more than 20 that he has supported, in addition to his own. He had to call in on superstores, other food outlets, pharmacies, hardware shops, the newsagent, and the post office to keep them all going. Rotarian Trevor Humphries has appreciated the extra ‘Gardening Leave’, but he and his business partner managed to reorient some production capacity to make sanitised hand rub to WHO specifications, using existing stocks of raw materials. This was supplied to the local GP surgery and District Nurses. Other recipients include Delivery Drivers, Postmen, Refuse Collectors, Receptionists, Pencils for primary pupils

ockdown has presented A number of the pupils at the Doxey tremendous challenges for Primary School are provided with a primary schools particularly for breakfast. There is no funding provision those where there are children for breakfasts for the children over the from deprived situations. holiday period so the Club donated £500 LStafford Castle has provided financial to provide breakfasts for these children support to three local primary schools, over the Easter holiday. Silkmore Academy, Doxey Primary School Children returning to school cannot take and Veritas Academy. work books home because of coronavirus Many of the children at Silkmore School virus safety measures. To help the do not have access to simple stationery children Veritas school provided duplicate resources which many of us take for work books for their pupils to take home. granted. At the beginning of Lockdown The Club donated £420 to fund the the children were sent home with work purchase of the purchase books. materials (rulers, protractors, pencils etc). All three schools were very grateful for Not surprisingly these had to be replaced the donations Stafford Castle Rotarians and the Club funded stationery kits for Key made. stage 1 and 2 pupils at a cost of £620. SUMMER 2020 Rotary 27 Rotary Magazine for District 1210 Club Contacts District 1210

The information listed below gives the name and location of clubs, the days of the week they meet, whether (E) evening, (L) lunch or (B) breakfast, as well as their website and the telephone number of the club’s Honorary Secretary to call for club information.

ALDRIDGE* DUDLEY* SHREWSBURY WALSALL Thursday (E) 7.00pm Monday (E) 6.15 for 6.30pm Wednesday (L) 1.00pm, 5th 7.30pm Friday (L) 12.45 for 1.00pm Club Sec. Tel: 01922 685945 Club Sec. Tel: 01902 684938 Club Sec. Tel: 01743 231059 Club Sec. Tel: 01922 648434 www.aldridgerotary.org.uk www.dudleyrotary.org.uk www.rotaryclubofshrewsbury.org.uk www.walsallrotary.org

AUDLEY ECCLESHALL MERCIA* SHREWSBURY DARWIN WALSALL SADDLERS Wednesday (E) 6.30 for 7.00pm Monday (E) 1st & 3rd only, 7.30pm Friday (B) 7.15 for 7.30am Tuesday (E) 6.30 for 6.45pm Club Sec. Tel: 01782 721483 Club Sec.: Tel: 01785 818330 5th Friday Thursday 7.30pm Club Sec. Tel: 07860 717706 www.sites.google.com/site/ www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php? Club Sec.: Tel: 01948 667588 www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ audleyrotaryclub ClubID=2107 www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php? homepage.php?ClubID=1829 ClubID=1790 BILSTON & W’TON WEST* ELLESMERE WEDNESBURY* Monday (E) 7.00 for 7.15pm Wednesday (E) 7.00 for 7.30pm Thursday (E) 6.15 for 6.45pm SHREWSBURY SEVERN* Not last Monday of month Club Sec. Tel: 07763 945161 Tuesday (E) 7.00 for 7.30pm Club Sec. Tel: 01922 623517 Club Sec. Tel: 01902 840043 www.ellesmererotary.org.uk Club Sec. Tel: 01743 872677 www.wednesburyrotary.co.uk/ www.rbww.org www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ ETRURIA* homepage.php?ClubID=1605 WEDNESFIELD* BLOXWICH PHOENIX Tuesday (B) 7.25am Wednesday (E) 6.15 for 6.30pm Saturday (B) 9.15 for 9.30am Club Sec. Tel: 01782 398769 (Not 2nd Wed, or Aug) SIX TOWNS (STOKE-ON-TRENT) Club Sec. Tel: 07939 584985 www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ Wednesday (E) 2nd. 7.00pm Club Sec. Tel: 01902 759752 www.bloxwichphoenix.net homepage.php?clubID=1775 Club Sec. Tel: 07787 344123 www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php? www.facebook.com/6TownsClub/ ClubID=1275 BLYTHE BRIDGE & DISTRICT* IRONBRIDGE Monday (E) 6.45 for 7.15pm Thurs. (E) 6.30pm for 7.00pm. STAFFORD WELLINGTON Club Sec. Tel: 01782 397765 4th, 5th - venue varies. Wednesday (L) 12.00 noon Friday (L) 1.00pm www.blythebridgerotary.org.uk Club Sec. Tel: 01952 620052 Club Sec. Tel: 01785 851381 Club Sec. Tel: 01952 541518 www.ironbridgerotary.org.uk www.staffordrotaryclub.org.uk www.wellingtonrotary.org.uk BREWOOD & DISTRICT* Wednesday (E) 7.00 for 7.30pm KIDSGROVE* STAFFORD CASTLE* WEM & DISTRICT* Club Sec. Tel: 01902 850329 Wednesday (E) 7.00pm Tuesday (E) 7.00 for 7.30pm Mon 1st (E) 7.30pm, 3rd (L) 1.00pm, www.brewood-rotary.co.uk Club Sec. Tel: 07542 640013 Club Sec. Tel: 01785 253823 Club Sec. Tel: 01691 610452 www.kidsgroverotary.co.uk www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/officers.php? BRIDGNORTH Wednesday (E) 7.00pm homepage.php?ClubID=1625 ClubID=1277 Club Sec. Tel: 01746 766245 LEEK* Monday (E) 7.00pm www.bridgnorthrotary.org.uk STAFFORD KNOT WHITCHURCH Club Sec. Tel: 01538 385609 Thursday (B) 7.15 for 7.30am Tuesday 1st & 3rd (E) 7.00pm, www.rotaryclubleek.org.uk Club Sec. Tel: 01785 227372 2nd & 4th (L) 1.00pm BROWNHILLS* Thurs. (L) 2nd & 4th only, www.rotaryclubofstaffordknot.org.uk Club Sec. Tel: 01948 665330 12.45 for 1.00 LUDLOW www.whitchurchrotary.org.uk Tues. 2nd, 4th, (E) 7.00 for 7.30pm Club Sec. Tel: 01543 450233 STOKE on TRENT* Club Sec. Tel: 01584 890349 Monday (E) 6.15pm WILLENHALL www.ludlowrotaryclub.org.uk Club Sec. Tel: 01782 838295 Thursday (E) 5.30 for 6.30pm BURNTWOOD & DISTRICT* Wednesday (E) 7.30 for 8.00pm www.stokerotary.co.uk (last Thursday 7.00pm with partners) Club Sec. Tel: 01543 677602 NEWCASTLE-under-LYME Club Sec. Tel: 01902 607881 Tuesday (L) 12.45 for 1.00pm www.burntwoodrotary.co.uk STONE & DISTRICT* www.willenhallrotary.org.uk Club Sec. Tel: 01785 748446 Mon (E) 1st & 3rd 7.00 for 7.30pm www.rotary-newcastle-staffs.co.uk Club Sec. Tel: 01785 815580 BURSLEM* WOLSTANTON* Wednesday (E) 6.15 for 6.30pm www.stonerotary.org Thursday (E) 7.00 for 7.30pm 2nd, 4th & 5th Weds of month only NEWPORT* Club Sec. Tel: 01270 652837 Wednesday (E) 6.30 for 7.00pm Club Sec. Tel: 01782 373933 TELFORD CENTRE* www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php? Tuesday (E) 6.00 for 6.30pm www.rotaryburslem.co.uk Club Sec. Tel: 01952 810162 ClubID=1594 www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ Club Sec. Tel: 01952 676671 homepage.asp?ClubID=1258 www.telfordcentrerotary.org CANNOCK* WOLVERHAMPTON* Wednesday (E) 6.00 for 6.30pm Tuesday (L) 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th 12.45pm Club Sec. Tel: 01543 876209 TETTENHALL* Club Sec. Tel: 01902 893527 NEWPORT (SHROPS) LITE Monday (E) not 1st, 7.00 for 7.30pm www.cannockrotary.co.uk 1st Tuesday (E) 7:00 for 7:30pm Club www.rotaryclubwolverhampton.co.uk Sec 01952 608699 Club Sec. Tel: 01902 764122 CHEADLE* www.newportrotarylite.org.uk www.tettenhallrotary.org.uk Thursday (E) 7.15pm WOLVERHAMPTON ST. GEORGES* Not 1st Thursday of month TUNSTALL* Tuesday (B) 7.15 for 7.30am, RUGELEY* Tues (E) 6.15 for 6.30pm Club Sec. Tel: 01538 753192 Monday (E) 1st, 3rd & 5th 7.30pm not last of month. Club Sec. Tel: 01782 658299 Club Sec. Tel: 01889 621603 Club Sec. Tel: 01902 700996 CHURCH STRETTON www.rugeleyrotary.org.uk www.facebook.com/rotarycluboftunstall Wed (E) 2nd 4th 5th 7.00 for 7.30pm www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php? ClubID=1759 Club Sec. Tel: 01694 724579 SEDGLEY & WOMBOURNE UTTOXETER* www.rotaryclubofchurchstretton.co.uk Thursday (E) 6.45 for 7.15pm Tuesday (E) 7.30pm Club Sec. Tel: 01283 821408 THE WREKIN Club Sec. Tel: 01902 845996 Thursday (E) 7.15pm DARLASTON* www.rotarysedgleyandwombourne.org.uk www.uttoxeter-rotary.org.uk Tuesday (E) 2nd 4th 6.30 for 7.00pm Club Sec. Tel: 01952 255267 Club Sec. Tel: 07976 426 228 www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php? www.darlastonrotary.org ClubID=1268

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