INSIDE THIS ISSUE Angela Rippon Interview 4 Rotary Grand Tour 18 Map Action 30 Diary of a Rotary Doctor 36

rotarygbi.org The Official Magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland August/September 2018 4 CONTENTS

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4 38 18 FEATURES COVER STORY REGULARS Angela Rippon interview 4 Dementia Talk from the Top 12 Research for dementia 6 A bigger killer in the UK than cancer, Rotary in Great Britain the focus is on achieving a major & Ireland President 20 Robotic cats supporting dementia 10 breakthrough for dementia Rotary Grand Tour 18 People of Action 38 Champions of Change 26 And Finally… 50 Map Action 30 Jannine Birtwistle on polio 32 Diary of a Rotary Doctor 36 6

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rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 3 ROTARY IN ACTION Angela Rippon Interview

Are you ready to join Angela’s Army?

Broadcaster Angela Rippon has become a high-profile dementia campaigner. Now she is championing a new initiative to recruit volunteers who will work alongside nursing staff in hospitals to help patients with the disease. Here she tells Dave King how people can get involved.

T is hard to think about Angela When former Prime Minister, David in hospitals nationwide to work alongside Rippon without conjuring up Cameron, put dementia onto the political nurses in caring for dementia patients. memories of the BBC newsreader’s agenda in 2012, Angela was brought on The programme, which was launched high-kicking dancing display on the board to co-chair a committee which would this summer, has the support of former Morecambe & Wise Christmas Show create dementia-friendly communities Secretary of State for Health and Social I32 years ago. Yes, 32 years! across the UK. Care, and now Foreign Secretary, the Rt Nowadays, this familiar face and voice Tied into that was the Alzheimer’s Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, plus the Royal of British broadcasting still pops up on Society’s launch of its Dementia Friends College of Nursing, the Royal College of The One Show, Rip Off Britain and has programme, which many Rotary clubs Physicians and the union UNISON. presented a number of highly-acclaimed have since joined. “Through my work, I’ve seen that an documentaries, including the BAFTA- awful lot of dementia patients in hospital nominated programme, The Truth About are left without the kind of social support Dementia. they need,” explained Angela. That 2016 film investigated the disease “Through my work, I’ve seen “The nursing staff are wonderful, which took her mother Edna’s life, and has that an awful lot of dementia but nurses cannot sit for hours while a now begun to affect her friends. Angela dementia patient eats at meal times. They also underwent a series of tests to discover patients in hospital are left are looking after their medical needs, they whether she had any early signs of the without the kind of social can’t look after their social needs. disease. “So we are planning to build an army She has now become an ambassador support they need” of volunteers to go into hospitals to work for the Alzheimer’s Society and spoke at the alongside the nurses making sure they stay Rotary conference in Torquay last April to hydrated, help them go to the toilet and promote awareness. Angela said she has been encouraged engage with them during the day.” “Things have changed quite radically to see large companies, organisations and As Vice President of the Patient’s since my mother was diagnosed with individuals getting involved, understanding Association, Angela pointed out that many vascular dementia in 2004,” explained dementia, and to witness businesses families wrote to them complaining that Angela. “Then, dementia had a very strong recognising the importance of staff training. their loved ones who had dementia came stigma attached to it. On top of that, Angela launched a out of hospital in a worse condition than “People were embarrassed by dementia similar initiative five years ago as part of when they went in. and were afraid to talk about it in public a schools project to create a dementia- They were dehydrated, had not been - whether they were someone who had friendly generation of younger people. fed properly, and were disorientated because dementia or whose family were involved But now the latest challenge is to no-one had looked after them properly. with dementia.” recruit thousands of volunteers to work “It’s not that they were not looked after

4 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org Angela Rippon talking to The Princess Royal at the 2018 Rotary Conference in Torquay

EVERY THREE MINUTES cost-effective for hospitals. what is required of them, so they can go ONE PERSON WILL DEVELOP “We are not taking away nursing into wards and say to the nursing staff, you DEMENTIA responsibilities,” stressed Angela. “ get on with what you are doing we will look "We are working alongside them so after these people to ensure they have all the that those people with dementia can have support they need for their dementia.” l medically, it’s that their dementia was not some kind of social contact: someone to dealt with because it was not understood,” read to them; to talk to them; to help them added Angela. go to the bathroom; to walk around with FACT FILE “I am hoping we can overcome that to them if they are mobile, so they don’t get make it much easier and more pleasant for bedsores; to make sure they drink so they DEMENTIA don’t get dehydrated; and to help them anyone with dementia when they go into • There are 850,000 people with hospital to find that the experience is not become less agitated in surroundings which dementia in the UK, with numbers set disorientating, frightening and lengthy.” can be distressing. to rise to over 1 million by 2025. It’s unsurprising the Department of “All of these things we can help to Health is supportive of the scheme because alleviate by having someone there who • 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes. it is not going to cost. understands the problem, who is prepared A few years ago, the Alzheimer’s to work with the nurses while they get on • Dementia is one of the main causes of Society surveyed 2,500 patients as part of with their job. disability later in life, ahead of cancer, a report titled ‘Counting the Cost’ which “Rotary has a vast army of volunteers cardiovascular disease and stroke. showed that people with dementia stayed in and I hope they will get involved. We • As a country we spend much less hospital on average three times longer than already have the British Red Cross and on dementia than on these other those with a similar medical condition. Royal Voluntary Service, because they have conditions. Angela Rippon believes that with her been doing this for some time in a general army of volunteers working with dementia capacity in hospitals. patients on the wards, this will reduce the “But now we want a trained band of For more information visit: time they are in hospital and make it more volunteers who understand dementia, know alzheimers.org.uk rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 5 ©courtesy of Alzheimer's Research ©courtesy

One of the scientists engaged in researching a breakthrough for dementia

DAVE KING Research fights back against Dementia

In the past 50 years, scientists have put a man on the moon, but can they find a cure foe dementia? A bigger killer in the UK than cancer, the focus is on achieving a major breakthrough for dementia care by 2025.

HEN it comes to the we could make in the laboratory is greater those proteins might look like, so that the fight against dementia, than the number of grains of sand on chemists can design a drug which will Dr Steve Andrews is the planet or the number of stars in the address some of the processes in the brain. right on the front line. universe, so we have to use all of the Currently, medicines can improve He’s among an information and technologies available to symptoms for a time, but there is nothing experiencedW team of acclaimed Cambridge us to formulate and test smart hypotheses. which can slow or stop the diseases which University scientists who every day “Are we making progress? Absolutely.” cause dementia. go to work in the hope of providing a At the Cambridge laboratories, Recently, the top pharmaceutical breakthrough for new preventions and whose work is funded by Alzheimer’s company, Pfizer, stopped their in-house treatments. Research UK, the scientists are working dementia research because they felt the “At times, it is very much like trying to collaboratively with groups across the task was too challenging to produce a find a needle in a haystack,” admitted Dr world to accelerate scientific progress. marketable drug which they could recoup Andrews. Their task is to find a biological target, their money. They felt the challenge was “The numbers of possible molecules to understand at a molecular level what too risky and expensive.

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ROTARY IN ACTION Research for Dementia

the same as someone who does not have HIV. “That just shows what science can deliver and that would be my hope for the diseases which cause dementia.” Last year, Alzheimer’s Research UK’s income grew by 38%, allowing them to put £21.4 million towards research. But that figure is still dwarfed by the £430 million which Cancer Research UK ploughs into its scientific research each year. Alzheimer’s is definitely punching above its weight in terms of discoveries, innovation and initiatives around research. ©courtesy of Alzheimer's Research ©courtesy Rotary, explained Laura, has a key role to play in helping with their work. Not only through fund-raising, but also helping to grow awareness and understanding, and to change the conversation. “We know that people don’t really understand dementia,” she added. “Awareness is growing, but understanding isn’t necessarily growing at the same rate. We see quite a lot of A patient being treated for dementia fatalism. We need to tackle that fatalism that nothing can be done. So it is left to the likes of the In the past 50 years, science has put “Rotary has a huge community reach Alzheimer’s Research UK scientists to a man on the moon. Now, according to and it can help us spread the word, and solve the puzzle. They are not looking for a Dr Laura Phipps, Alzheimer Research challenge people’s perceptions.” financial return – their sole aim is to make UK’s Head of Communications and For Steve, a married man with two people’s lives better. Currently, there are Engagement, there is no reason why they young children, and Head of Chemistry at more than 100 treatments for Alzheimer’s cannot reach their goal of a life-changing the Alzheimer’s Research UK Cambridge in clinical trials. dementia treatment. Drug Discovery Institute, he knows all too The scientists’ goal is to bring about well the impact of dementia which affected the first life-changing treatment for his grandmother. dementia by 2025 – a challenge set by As a result, he actively fund-raisers former Prime Minister, David Cameron, “I’ll always remember the day for Alzheimer’s Research UK – last year he in 2012. took part in a Half Ironman Triathlon, and Dementia is caused by the gradual I rang her doorbell and while earlier this summer trekked over volcanoes loss of nerve cells in the brain. she recognised my dad, she in Guatemala. This slow breakdown of the brain can He added: “Having lost my own nan take many years and often the damage drew a blank with me.” to vascular dementia, I feel a personal is recognised very late, typically when a determination for our work at the Drug friend or relative starts to notice changes in Discovery Institute to succeed. that person’s memory and behaviour. “We are not going to make people live “I’ll always remember the day I rang By this stage a person may have lost forever,” she insisted. “But what I want is her doorbell and while she recognised my 140 grams of brain matter, that’s about the when people’s lives end they have dignity, dad, she drew a blank with me. same weight as an orange. That person can communicate with their loved ones, “As a child, you don’t forget those will likely then go to their GP and may they can interact, have independence and days, but now I have an opportunity to have some tests before being diagnosed as they can enjoy those last years. channel my energies towards providing having dementia. “Nowadays, dementia can take that hope for other families through Dr Andrews added: “What we are away, which is unfair and cruel. However, research.” l hoping to achieve with our research are if we can spot it early and intervene in the ways of detecting the diseases which cause same way that people can manage diabetes dementia very early on, for example, with a and HIV, that is progress. routine blood test, so that we can then halt “A few decades ago, HIV was a death the progression of those diseases with the sentence whereas today the life expectancy For more information visit: treatments we are developing.” of someone with HIV having treatment is alzheimersresearchuk.org

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ROTARY IN ACTION Robotic cats supporting dementia

Robotic cats - helping support dementia

Sheila Wainwright knows all too well the devastating impact of watching a loved one endure dementia. Now, she has discovered how a cute, robotic cat can make all the difference. Here is her story.

EVEN years ago my husband John, a staunch Rotarian, died “Run on batteries, the cats are with early onset dementia. Caring for him for seven hugely realistic. They miaow, years and dealing with increasing roll over, purr, lick their paws Sviolence, prior to being sectioned, I became aware how there is little support in the and bring a smile to anyone NHS for carers of people with dementia. At a time when I was feeling who sees them. And, what’s particularly low, it was suggested that I ring more, they don’t need feeding an Admiral Nurse; a trained, mental health nurse supported by charitable donations or litter trays” to Dementia UK. I cannot describe the comfort, advice and dedication that nurse provided for me. people with dementia. After John’s death, I spent time and I borrowed one and began to show it to energy raising money to provide Admiral groups when I was giving a talk. Nurses in Wakefield. Run on batteries, the cats are hugely An initial fund-raiser, “A Night to realistic. They miaow, roll over, purr, lick Remember Ball”, raised £15,000. After their paws and bring a smile to anyone who this my club, the Rotary Club of Wakefield, sees them. And, what’s more, they don’t other local Rotary clubs, Inner Wheel, as need feeding or litter trays! well as other groups, began to fund-raise. The response from people everywhere Now, after six long years of begging was amazing with so many asking me to and pleading, with dozens of awareness- buy them a cat, I couldn’t cope! raising talks, £110,000 in the pot, it has Encouraged by a fellow Rotarian, who been possible to fund the first Admiral had found another article about the value Nurse. This will soon be followed by two of these cats, I began to think what a good more, one of whom will be based at the project this would be for Rotarians to take local hospice. on board. But that’s not the end of the story. I I remembered how, when John was attended a dementia conference in Kirklees violent, our little cat often jumped on his in West Yorkshire, when I saw a table with knee and he would begin to stroke her. She several cats on it. Curiously, I discovered seemed to give him peace and calm. that these were robotic cats sold by an Already, the robotic cats have been on American company, to provide comfort for television. The BBC was asking for people

10 // ROTARY Sheila Wainwright with her robotic cat to write in with small projects with big I contacted the agent at Hasbro and it occurred to me what an excellent outcomes, and as a result I appeared on the did a deal which meant the cats we wanted project this would be for Rotary to pursue BBC1 show Let’s Get a Good Thing Going would be sold through Amazon at £99.99, nationwide. in December with the cat – now named with no postage costs. We could encourage every Rotary club Snowball by a little boy who wanted one for There are 3,800 people diagnosed with in the country to raise enough money to his birthday! dementia in my home town of Wakefield, buy at least one cat. I endured two-and-a-half days filming, with a further 1,000 undiagnosed. Many Wouldn’t that make a difference to so including spending a day at Ossett Town were living at home, alone and lonely. many people with so little effort? l Hall describing our project in front of an So I thought, what if we could audience and showing off the cat’s talents. persuade schools through a talk in assembly Now I know what Dragons’ Den feels like! to raise money for one cat? We could then FACT FILE The responses after the programme ask one of the Admiral Nurses to identify were astonishing. I was overwhelmed by someone who would gain comfort from a ROBOTIC CATS people writing from all over the country, gift of a cat and hopefully a relationship • Ted Fischer, vice president of Hasbro, could be built with the school. as well as from Spain, all requesting is convinced that high-tech cats can information about the cats and asking how Here we were now, addressing social help battle the feelings of loneliness they could obtain one. isolation as well as raising awareness of the and isolation that some older I even had an envelope addressed to needs for people with dementia. adults face. ‘The Robotic Cat Lady near Wakefield’! And what about businesses? And there were many donations from Already an association in Wakefield is showing interest in providing a grant to buy people who said they had watched the For more details about Admiral programme and wanted to give something cats to donate. Nurses, visit: towards buying a cat for someone who As an Ambassador for Rotarians www.dementiauk.org would enjoy having one. Easing Problems of Dementia (REPoD), To buy a robotic cat, visit Amazon.

ROTARY // 11 Latest news Talk from the top… from the top of the Rotary tree

Barry Rassin Ron D. Burton Brian Stoyel Rotary President 2018/19 Trustee Chair 2018/19 RI Director 2017-19

BE THE INSPIRATION SERVICE PROJECTS MY GOALS WELL-KNOWN saying goes, “If ITHOUT The Rotary ACH year at the June Board you want to change the world, go W Foundation’s Endowment Fund, Emeeting, changeover directors are homeA and love your family.” That doesn’t our efforts would be for nought. The asked for their goals for the forthcoming mean people should ignore the needs endowment is the backbone of Rotary’s year. My submission was as follows: outside their own homes; instead, pay efforts around the world, providing • To continue raising the awareness attention to the needs within. access to the time, talent, and resources of the role of Director in Zones 17 & 18A by visiting districts for assemblies, It can be tempting, when our needed to make a difference. council, conferences, special events and Our goal of building the priority is service, to focus only on the celebrations with full participation in things that look like service: the projects, Endowment Fund to $2.025 billion by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland the planning, the work that yields a 2025 and this year’s fund-raising goal of membership, executive and governing visible benefit to those who need it. But $380 million are surely some of the most council meetings; to do that work effectively, we need to important tasks for our organisation. • To endorse Rotary2 as a pro-active keep our own house in order. Your financial support has made means for membership growth in the Our membership has hovered possible every single thing that Rotary formation of new clubs/groups; around the same 1.2 million mark for has done over the years. But what’s • To continue regular monthly meetings 20 years. We aren’t growing, and our equally essential – and might sometimes with my Rotary International Co- membership is getting older. be overlooked – is your participation. ordinators for membership, public We have too many clubs that don’t Without you, Rotary is nothing. The awareness and foundation, continuing have the knowledge or motivation to Foundation needs your presence, your our team emphasis for the next 12 months; have an impact: clubs that don’t know input, and your creative mind just as To assist with the change organisation what we’re doing on a global level, clubs much as it needs your generous financial • underway at Rotary in Great Britain that don’t know about our programmes backing. Your Rotary club needs you to and Ireland, i.e. committee structure or our Foundation, that don’t even know be there at meetings – not to warm a and event programming, in the how to get involved. chair, but to engage, to inspire. changing of outdated names using With a membership that is still You don’t need to wait for someone EXPO (conference), ‘Be The Inspiration’ mostly male, we aren’t doing enough to to ask you to chair a committee or be a (Institute); become the organisation of choice for club officer to begin to transform your • To encourage more Rotary awareness women who are seeking to serve. Rotary journey. There’s a place in Rotary with and in our areas of focus and We are a membership organisation for all of you to step up and become Foundation, creating more donors for first. If we want to achieve the goals people of action. our Rotary charity by way of benefactors, we’ve set for ourselves, we need to Be engaged. Working with your major gifts and Arch Klumph Society put membership first. All of us have club on service projects that qualify for members, as well as continuing our fight a responsibility to take membership District Designated Funds is one way to against polio; seriously, not only by inviting prospective participate and use your voice to make a • By decreasing the number of Rotary International committees our hope is members, but also by making sure new real difference. to improve the governance of Rotary If your club has no service projects members are welcomed into clubs that International as speedily, but efficiently, offer them something of value. that interest you, work on getting and effectively as possible - in my If you see someone walk into a some new ones under way. Carry out vocabulary ‘actions speak louder than meeting, be sure that person has a place community assessments to find out how words’; to sit and is part of the conversation. we can best use our resources to create • Finally in my role as Chairman of the If you’re enthusiastic about a Rotary positive change. Executive Committee, to work closely programme, make sure your club knows This month, I invite you to with and justify the faith placed in me by how to get involved. If you see a need transform the way you think about your President Barry, to make myself available in your community, talk about it at this involvement with Rotary. Consider to everyone and seek the necessary week’s meeting. If we want to be part every meeting a chance to discover advice and guidance of our efficient of an organisation that’s strong, that’s new channels for your energy and to secretariat staff at Alcester and Evanston. I look forward to the challenges and active, and having an impact – start at brainstorm how you can work together success that 2018/19 may bring. home, and Be the Inspiration.• for a better world.• •

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ROTARY IN ACTION KidsOut

DAVE KING Sunshine days

What began as a genteel day out to a theme park in Surrey for a handful of disadvantaged children 28 years ago, has fast become a major Rotary activity across the UK with 680,000 youngsters benefiting.

HE story of KidsOut is a truly “As a Rotarian, we talk about our, remarkable one. having 'A Rotary Moment', something Back in 1990, Lady that we would not experience if we were Grantchester, head of the not in Rotary, and even after my years as Moores family, and the a Rotarian, every year KidsOut always Tdaughter of Sir John Moores, founder of the brings a tear to my eye,” explained Steve Liverpool-based Littlewoods football pools Cartwright, Rotary KidsOut co-ordinator, and retailing business – suggested to Rotary and a KidsOut trustee. Kingston in Surrey giving disadvantaged “You cannot put a price on that! children a day out. Since 1990 over 680,000 children She approached Rotarians Peter Jarvis have benefitted from a day out to adventure and Graham Child, a deal was struck and parks, farms and wildlife venues. This that summer 200 children headed for summer, 316 Rotary clubs took part in the Thorpe Park thanks to Rotary Kingston day at 94 venues. and the Kingston Littlewoods store. The biggest was Drayton Manor in It was so successful that Lady Tamworth which, for the past three years, Grantchester offered a one-off grant to any has opened its doors exclusively for KidsOut Rotary club willing in future to take part in youngsters – and this June a staggering a similar event on the second Wednesday 5,000 children visited the Staffordshire in June. adventure park. KidsOut is a charity started by Rotarians, indeed CEO Gordon Moulds CBE is a Rotarian, and the organisation has three Rotarian trustees. “To be honest, the joy and the Overnight, several Rotary clubs around look on the children's faces the country joined in as the National Rotary says it all!” FACT FILE KidsOut Day was born. It immediately became the biggest KIDSOUT single outing for disadvantaged children in the UK, and this June a record-breaking Other major attractions included • The first National Rotary KidsOut 30,000 youngsters enjoyed a sun-kissed Wicksteed Park near Kettering, Whipsnade Day took place in 1990 outing to one of scores of attractions. Zoo and the Woburn Safari Park in • KidsOut was founded by Rotary on The idea is to bring a bit of sunshine to Bedfordshire, Legoland near Windsor, the spirit of volunteerism and service children who would not normally be able to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, as well as to the community. have a great day out; those with a physical Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey. Kingspark School in Dundee was the • KidsOut is the only national children’s or mental disability, lack of money, or they charity focusing directly on their live in a refuge. venue for a string of entertainers including needs and working to bring fun and The day also looks after young a one-man band, clowns, face-painters, happiness back into their lives. carers and siblings with life-threatening along with football games and film shows. conditions. The Rotary clubs organise the day out,

16 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org Children enjoying a day out at Drayton Manor thanks to Rotary KidsOut liaising with the venues and schools, and name suggests, it is for kids, but we must World Stories began in 2010 to support they cover the entry cost as well as food. not forget that it also allows the parent, the growing number of children speaking The children are transported by the guardian and carer to also enjoy English as an additional language, and schools, their parents, guardians or carers, themselves too. in 2012 KidsOut launched Fun Days to and not by the Rotarians. “To be honest, the joy and the look on support even more vulnerable children with And unlike other charities, KidsOut is the children's faces says it all!” happy memories throughout the year. currently able to provide a subsidy of £1 per Rotarians and Rotary International By 2015, KidsOut became the only child, which is paid to the Rotary club, plus in Great Britain & Ireland continue to be charity nationally to support every child in a free Rotary KidsOut baseball cap at the heart of KidsOut and the National a Women’s Aid Federation refuge, providing if required. Day Out, shaping KidsOut into an efficient toys, days out, workshops and more. “Rotary, in partnership with KidsOut, and effective charity, with just over 92p of The next event on the calendar is the provides an extended opportunity for every £1 received going directly to provide Rotary Festive Fun Day on December 4th. children, to experience something which KidsOut services. For this event, KidsOut offer a subsidy of ordinarily they would not be able to do,” In 1999, KidsOut registered as a £5 per child, including a cap. added Steve. charity to comply better with different There is also an opportunity to get “Whether on the grounds of disability pieces of legislation, as well as helping hold of a limited number of free tickets or personal circumstances.” organisers negotiate cheaper access to selected pantomime performances in “KidsOut themselves also support to theme parks and opening up new Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester children to the KidsOut Day, through small opportunities to reach out to the UK’s most and Nottingham. l family groups living in refuges - in which vulnerable children. case a parent usually accompanies the child. In 2007 the charity developed “KidsOut is all about youngsters Phyzzpod to benefit children with physical For more information contact enjoying themselves, taking part and doing and learning difficulties, and in 2008 it Steve Cartwright at: something that most of us take for granted. started Toy Box for children relocated due [email protected] "Whilst, as the charity KidsOuts' to domestic abuse. 07772 808925 rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 17 ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary Grand Tour

REBECCA WARNER Drive of a lifetime raises over £50,000 Rotary’s road trip gets into gear, motoring for End Polio Now.

HE allure of the Purple4Polio four days of glorious May sunshine, before Rotary Grand Tour enticed crossing the finish line at Halifax Minster over 40 teams to feel the in West Yorkshire. freedom of the open road, One of the teams was Red Fox with generating thousands of a stunning convertible red Mini Cooper. Tpounds for End Polio Now, Rotary’s David Marklew, driver, reckoned it was a campaign to protect every child in the great way to meet the polio challenge. world from the crippling disease. He said: “The weather was fantastic Drivers and their crews in all kinds and we were able to travel our route with of vehicles visited as many Rotary the soft-top down and the wind in checkpoints as was safely possible over our hair.

18 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org “It is estimated that over £50,000 was raised. With the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation promise to triple funds, the final figure will be considerably more. ”

“The looks which our liveried Mini “Day two saw us head south for the from clubs across Cumbria, found the tired received and the waves from members of Beamish Museum in County Durham, builder’s workhorse and fixed it up. the public were tremendous. Ye Olde Bell Hotel in Nottinghamshire Months of hard work paid off and "People were asking what we were and the Rockingham Motor Speedway in the trusty, instead of rusty transit, carried doing, and the chance to tell them about Northamptonshire.” them around the country. The team, polio eradication generated great publicity The checkpoints were breath-taking affectionately known as the Murmansk for our campaign.” and included the Monnow Bridge in 4, raised a staggering £1,600. As for Mr Denise Rudgely and Val Browning Monmouth – the only remaining fortified Dumpy, he has been stripped back to his from the Rotary Club of Ashburton- bridge in the UK – the Brands Hatch former self and sold on to raise even more Buckfastleigh in Devon, enjoyed a scenic racing circuit in Kent, as well as the Firth for the cause. drive to Halifax. of Forth crossings in Scotland. The award for longest driving hours They visited Powderham Castle in It is estimated that over £50,000 went to team Windermere Rotary Against Devon, the Haynes Museum in Somerset was raised. With the Bill & Melinda Gates Polio with an indefatigable Audi A6. and the Williams F1 Conference Centre Foundation promise to triple funds, the Rotary GB and Ireland President and in Wantage, Oxfordshire, where Denise final figure will be considerably more. grand tour creator Denis Spiller thinks the realised a life-long dream. As well as winning fund-raising grand tour will drive again. She said: “We were able to walk under efforts, there were a few other prizes too. He said: “’Can we do it again next the circuit via the tunnel and stand on the The oldest car was an easy victory for year?’ was the frequent request as we all winner’s podium. As a petrol-head, this Peter and Gwen Bramwell’s AJS 9 from gathered at Halifax Minster for the finish was an immensely pleasing thing to do. the 1930s. A Vauxhall Zafira driven by line party. It was only intended as a one- “The lasting memory for me is that I Michael and Margaret Longdon of West off, but if we can come up with a new spin, am proud to have done it for such a Ashfield Rotary in Nottinghamshire, who then maybe 2020 will be time for a second worthy cause.” travelled as THE2M’s, clocked up the lap of Great Britain and Ireland. Bob Maskall, wife Kate and Syd greatest distance with 2,250 miles. “Thank you one and all. This has Owen, all from Bangor Gwynedd Rotary Gordon Wellington, Morriston Rotary generated so much fun and fellowship. in Wales, had a great time with their MG in Swansea, managed to bag most of the "I am still on a high and the best news ZR160. checkpoints and got a bonus point for of all is that it looks like we have raised “The best bit by far was the fun of flying over to Ireland. over £50,000 for polio eradication even meeting lots of different Rotary members Mr Dumpy, a flat-bed transit which before the Gates uplift.” l in some unusual places,” said Bob. became a mobile advert for End Polio “We started from Bangor and Now, took home the best dressed vehicle travelled to Glasgow via Llandudno award. and Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Roger Frank, along with friends John For more information visit: Galloway. Taylor, Alan McViety and Arthur Littlefair endpolionow.org

rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 19 ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary GBI President

Be the Inspiration

New President of Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland, Debbie Hodge, reflects on her year ahead at the helm

O all those Rotarians reading So what will be our lasting change, our Yet everything we do should and does this I want to say ‘thank you’. legacy this Rotary year – will we see the bring peace. If we are providing clean safe Thank you for making the last case of polio? water, it will enable children to get an choice to be a Rotarian – It is perfectly possible, but the last case education instead of being permanent because Rotary is more than doesn’t mean we have done the job; we water carriers. Ta lunchtime meeting in the diary or the need three full years of zero cases before we If we provide effective health care once a month quiz night. Rotary is a way of can have the purple party to end all parties! strategies, we are building resilience in being that changes lives, including our own. To keep up the momentum watch out the community. If we provide education A Rotarian, when asked where he went for the opportunities and updates, from programmes that enable people to read, every Tuesday lunchtime, said: “I go to meet bulb planting to teddy bear picnics. they will be less likely to be exploited. with friends and we change the world.” In my working life as a nurse, I have Supporting Peace Scholars, working That’s what Rotarians, ‘people of seen enough to know that conflict can lead with Foundation Scholars, sharing our action’ do; we change the world, sometimes to violence with sometimes catastrophic values in RotaKids, Interact and Rotaract, one person at a time, sometimes a whole results, but it was my experience of the every action is an action which brings peace community, and sometimes a whole Number 30 bus destroyed by a bomb on to individuals, to communities and to country. July 7th, 2005 that taught me the true nations. Just how does this happen? It happens meaning of Rotary’s Object ‘Peace and It is perhaps in our own communities because we do good in the world – that’s Goodwill around the world’. that we can have the greatest impact, for in our calling card. This was reinforced by Sakuji Tanaka’s all our communities there are examples of Rotary connects all the peoples of the Presidential theme for 2012/13, the year individuals being cruelly exploited – we call world, just as the sea connects all countries. I was District Governor, Peace through it Modern Slavery. The ebb and flow of the tides remind Service, symbolised by a peace crane, Sharing in the work of the University us that while the sea is a constant presence, and built on a quest for peace after the of Nottingham Rights Lab will help it is also a change agent – the shoreline is devastation of Hiroshima. Rotarians to make a difference in their local never the same two days running. The bus was destroyed and people community by enabling that community to Rotary is forever changing, yet it is killed and injured in Woburn Place, outside become a slave-free community. an organisation which has been built on the British Medical Association (BMA) This will be a major part of the Rotary enduring principles which enable Rotarians offices and less than 50 yards from my Showcase 2019 (go to the Rotary Showcase around the globe to connect for the good of office in Tavistock Square. 2019 website for further details). the whole world. I spent the day supporting the injured Is all this possible? Yes it is! Because The first principle is vocation – we at the BMA and then supporting those staff Rotary enables individuals to come bring our vocation, our business and members from the BMA who had been together, develop friendships that are the professional skills, knowledge and personal working to save lives and helping people building blocks for taking action. talents into Rotary for the service of others. make sense of a senseless situation. An individual can only achieve so The second is our Rotary values – On that bus were peoples of all faiths, much, but a team working together with a honesty, fairness, truth, trust, integrity, people from many nations, caught up shared passion can change the world. fellowship and service. These we take out in a wider conflict that sets individuals, That team is Rotary – so Rotarians, Be from Rotary into the communities where communities and nations against the Inspiration that enables transformation we work, live and make connections. each other. of ourselves, our communities and the These principles make us unique I hope that over this Rotary year we world, build that lasting change based on in the world of membership and service can build a legacy of peace through creating friendship and service. organisations as exemplified in our vision a series of hubs that will enable young Be people of action. l statement: ‘Together we see a world where people and Rotarians to learn non-violent people unite and take action to create ways of resolving conflict. lasting change – across the globe, in our Rotary’s enduring legacy marking 100 For more information visit: communities and in ourselves.’ years since the end of the First World War. rotarygbi.org/enquire

20 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org ROTARY IN ACTION ©Peter Croan ©Peter

“An individual can only achieve so much, but a team working together with a shared passion can change the world.”

rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 21 GLOBAL IMPACT School for the blind, Budapest

Simply blind faith

OW much does an international project cost? For The City of St. Asaph Rotarians, it was lots of friendship, good Hconnections, plenty of fellowship and great effort - with only a little cash. The North Wales club’s impressive project to help the School for the Blind of Budapest came about through a series of friends. John Harris, who is not a Rotarian but regularly supports St. Asaph, spotted the possibility. John works worldwide in education, specifically supporting those who teach children with disabilities – and one of the centres which John works with is the Budapest school. The School for the Blind of Budapest is one of the first specialist schools for the blind in the world. The title of School for the Blind is finished to the delight of the students who something of a misnomer. Initially founded now have a safe sensory space in which to in 1826, but occupying its current buildings “The School for the Blind relax and learn. since the 1880s, the school now accepts Oh and the money? St. Asaph students up to the age of 26-years-old with of Budapest is one of the Rotarians spent about £60 from club a range of disabilities, though their main first specialist schools for the funds to hire the van to transfer the items sensory disability is blindness. from St. Asaph to Chester. All the rest was Another centre John has contact with blind in the world.” friendship and goodwill. l is the Brondyffryn School in Denbighshire, which provided a sense of serendipity for the Rotary project. the equipment, including a two-metre The school in Denbighshire announced long acrylic tube, padded walls and all the that it was going to relocate, making electrics, to a warehouse in Chester. FACT FILE available some of its equipment. John While all this was going on, the moved in quickly, aware that the Hungarian school’s principal in Budapest managed to SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND, school wanted the equipment, so he persuade DHL to transport the three pallets BUDAPEST contacted Rotary friends to ask if they of equipment for free on the 1,300 mile • In Hungary the first school for the could help transfer the equipment. journey from Chester to Budapest. blind started operating in 1826 What was being given away was an The room was successfully transported entire sensory room, including a number • It provides services to 250 blind to the Hungarian capital where it was students between the age 3 and 22 of specialist features and a lot of electrical stored at the school until space was cleared sensory stimulators. for it to be re-erected. Rotarians arrived with a small van With no instructions for reassembling For more information visit: and several cars to retrieve the dismantled the electrical equipment, this took six sensage.eu/members/ room, before hiring a van to transport months to complete before the room was hungary/budapest

22 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Welsh centenary

A Welsh marriage made in Rotary

OTARY Swansea will be the next club in Wales to celebrate its centenary, and in its near 100 years it has developed some outstanding initiatives, Rparticularly ones which help young people to achieve their potential. However, an increasing age profile, leading to a natural decline in membership, was placing a question mark over its future. The four clubs which make up the Swansea Rotary Partnership took part in a workshop earlier this year looking at the way ahead for Rotary in the city. Rotary Swansea Bay, the youngest of the four clubs, offered to merge their resources with Rotary Swansea. And this came to fruition on June 29th, when Rotary Swansea Bay returned to its “Mother Ship”, handed in its charter and the two clubs became one. Schoolchildren vist the Tate Gallery for a visit funded by Rotary Swansea Although the two clubs are very different in their approach, like all marriages starting out, there is hope for the city, the club has also agreed to pay for the future that they can work things awards that will be given out in a BAFTA through together. “Although the two clubs type ceremony at the end of term. The marriage will ensure continuity of Swansea Bay Rotary has also created such initiatives as the High 5 Awards, an are very different in their its own niche in the city. Born out of a idea that originated from Rotary Swansea approach, like all marriages Rotaract Club in 1992 it was one of the and Swansea City Council. earliest dual gender clubs formed in the UK It recognises the achievements of starting out, there is hope for and as Founding President, Marjory Taylor Swansea’s Young People who have overcome the future that they can work admitted: “Many Rotary clubs were not adversity to achieve something significant. quite sure what to make of us.” Rotary Swansea provides an things through together.” But, as attitudes to women in Rotary independent input to the judging process changed, so the club established itself and also facilitates several of the "rewards"- particularly in its approach to fund-raising usually experiences that money can't buy. the local Grand Theatre, where the children which is about placing the emphasis on fun. One recent winner Ashley Mansell, also get to meet some of the cast. For the past 21 years it has organised who runs a Kids Play initiative, was given This year, however, the club paid an annual boules/petanque championship the opportunity to shadow BBC Wales towards a trip to the Tate Gallery for local in Swansea Marina which has raised political correspondent, Nick Servini. The Clase Primary school where they had some thousands of pounds for the Lord Mayor’s tables were turned when Ashley was filmed stain glass exhibits on show. charities. It has also developed water interviewing Nick. A good working relationship has projects in Kenya, more recently in Ndori, Rotary Swansea has been providing developed with many of the primary schools where the project benefited from a memorable experiences for primary it has helped over the years. Impressed with global grant. l children for decades - usually part-funding the dedication of Sea View Community and organising a trip to the pantomime in Primary School in a “challenging” area of

24 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 25 Community Champions, Pauline Craven and Alan Hilliar

Holding out for a hero

It is one of the showpieces of the Rotary calendar, an opportunity to shine the spotlight on sometimes reluctant heroes, who go the extra mile in their communities. Meet this year's Rotary Champions of Change.

ARDIFF City Hall was the host the Community Champion Awards, for a glittering evening to mark recognising their outstanding humanitarian the 2018 Rotary Champions of work. The awards were hosted by HM Change Awards. Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan A dozen Rotarians from Morfudd Meredith. CGreat Britain & Ireland were recognised for In April’s issue of Rotary magazine, we their work to improve the lives of others in featured the five winners of the domestic their own communities and abroad. Seven award. Here we focus on the international, non-Rotarians were also honoured through community and presidential awards. l

26 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org Andrew Errington receiving his Presidential Award from Rotary GBI President Denis Spiller

Presidential Awards

Andrew Errington Brendan O’Shea Andrew has introduced new membership After a career in the Irish Navy and the approaches to his club in Saughall, near European Commission, Brendan joined Chester and his Rotary region. Rotary and was determined to increase the The programme of ‘Modernisation, Rotary membership in Mallow, Co. Cork. Innovation and Showcasing’ was developed “Through engaging with Through engaging with colleagues a year ago. Most efforts to galvanise organic who were members of other community membership growth had hit a brick wall, colleagues who were members organisations, membership grew by over but by using a series of roadshows and of other community 40% in a 16 month period with over 60% of questionnaires, Andrew established that an organisations, membership the Chamber of Commerce now members. old-fashioned image, a reluctance to change Thirteen members have now joined and with no idea how to interface with grew by over 40% in a Rotary. The success has been replicated prospective members, were the core issues. 16 month period ” through nine clubs in the area with 16 He showed clubs how to overcome others in the pipeline. these problems with presentations and a This led to Ireland’s first Peace 10-point plan to hold a Showcase evening. Advocacy training for seven schools, 32 The results were astonishing with the first pupils and teachers and 13 Rotarians. event producing nine new members. rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 27 ROTARY IN ACTION Champions of Change Awards

Community Champions

Sean Bailey of bikers into North West Blood Bikes — and distributing them, not only to the Sean was seriously injured playing football the largest Blood Bike group in the world. centre in Chernihiv, but to orphanages and and feared he may never walk again. Paul and his wife have spent the last hospitals in the Ukraine, sometimes with However, Sean defied the odds, though five years fund-raising, managing this the help of Rotarian volunteer drivers. he will never run or play football again and charity and liaising with the five local NHS still has difficulty with his movement and Trusts from South Lancashire to South Roberta Lovick communication. Sean formed a football Cumbria. For the past 20 years, Roberta has been club for those with cerebral palsy or an As Chairman and Trustee, Paul now devoted to improving end of life care. inherited brain injury. heads a team of 300 riders who answer over In Norfolk, she established a palliative Their philosophy is that engagement in 1,000 calls every month for the NHS. care charity supporting patients and carers, sport is a great healer. and thanks to partnership working with They now provide footballing Howard Craven health trusts and voluntary organisations, opportunities for over 100 players. Many After spending nearly 20 years in and out a £1.5 million palliative care centre was arrive with walking aids, but with great of jail, Howard has been supporting and opened by the Princess Royal in 2013 at the perseverance many have been able to regain mentoring former prisoners. He is also able James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth. their ability to walk once more. It is a life- to offer acupuncture to relieve stress for past Since its opening, the Louise Hamilton changing event. and present prisoners. Centre (named after Roberta’s daughter) For the past two years, Howard has has seen 27,000 people pass through Afolasade Bright been helping with Rotary in his region’s benefitting from over 20 therapies and Councillor Sade, as she is fondly known, ‘You Can Change’ programme which helps support services. delivers projects focusing on the elderly prisoners realise how change and successful Nationally, Roberta is regarded as a in the Barking and Dagenham, and integration into the community is possible. champion for palliative care, serving on a neighbouring boroughs. They are defined not by their past, but number of national bodies. As Mayor of Hackney in 2006 she by the decisions they take on the course, raised a substantial amount of money for and the way they live the rest of their lives. Molly Rennie Age UK and was made Honorary President. Molly is Chair of the West Dorset and She continues to fund-raise and has set Pauline Craven Weymouth and Portland Domestic Abuse up the Pennu Charity which promotes good Pauline first visited Yugoslavia as a Forum. Along with the Women's Action health and well-being among the elderly, volunteer during the Balkan War in 1993 Network Dorset, Molly runs the ‘Reclaim and has also established a Memory Café distributing aid to refugees. Two years The Night’ event in Dorchester, which and Recreational Centre. later she set up a rehabilitation centre for encourages women to highlight the danger Sade is leading a group of older people children who were sick from the Chernobyl they feel when out alone at night. to devise projects to challenge stigma and disaster. Molly’s achievements in raising the isolation, while running community events In 2000, Pauline met Alan Hilliar on profile of the campaign against domestic for the elderly. one of the convoys and three years later they abuse has been inspirational by ensuring formed their own registered charity - The that a refuge in Dorset became a reality, Paul Brooks Felsted Aid for Deprived Children. with the funds to run it. Molly has become Former traffic officer Paul from Clayton-le- Since then, they have devoted their active educating young people who have Wood, Lancashire, has turned a small group lives to raising funds, collecting supplies witnessed domestic abuse.

Champions of Change

Home International Community Cormac Doyle Tony Clayson Sean Bailey Mike Harvey Peter Croan Afolasade Bright Sarah Newcombe Patsy Dodd Paul Brooks Daniel O’Reilly Bob Parfitt Howard Craven Tom Yendell Alison Stedman Pauline Craven Alan Wolstencroft Roberta Lovick Norman Yates Molly Rennie Presidential awards Andrew Errington Brendan O’Shea

28 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

GLOBAL IMPACT Map Action

JO PRATT Mapping for people in a crisis One UK charity has become a leader in mapping humanitarian disasters so that responders know where to focus their efforts first. So how does this organisation make sense from the chaos?

HEN disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes or floods strike, in order to save lives and reduce suffering, certain urgentW questions need to be answered: which areas have been worst affected, where are the most vulnerable people, what has happened to roads, railways and communications networks, and what help Prince Harry and Rachel Alsop is already being provided - where are discuss maps at Triplex the gaps? The situation can be chaotic, confusing “Humanitarian emergencies often and, in some cases, dangerous. The strike vulnerable communities, in places challenge for responders is to work out what where information about populations and they need to do first. infrastructure may be hard to get hold of or Humanitarian mapping charity even non-existent. “The first thing we do on hearing that FILE MapAction quickly gathers crucial data at FACT the disaster scene and conveys it visually in we are needed is a data scramble, to find, the form of maps and charts. check, sort and begin to visualise as much MAP ACTION Within hours of an alert, MapAction’s useful information about the affected region • MapAction provides its services team of highly-skilled geographic and the disaster as we can get from all without discrimination, information experts map the needs of those reliable sources. independently and neutrally affected to help co-ordinate the response. “That might be something as simple as anywhere in the world where there is They piece together a ‘shared an orientation map for aid workers arriving a life-threatening humanitarian need operational picture’ for aid agencies, from other countries. MapAction personnel • Our well-rehearsed deployment charities, governments and local partners, are often among the first humanitarian model means our volunteer mapping helping them make informed decisions, co- responders to arrive at the scene after a professionals are often at the scene ordinate relief efforts and deliver the right disaster and every minute counts. within 24-48 hours of a disaster aid and emergency supplies to the right "So, by the time they get on the plane, striking places, fast. we want them to have as much useful • Since MapAction’s beginnings in “Even in slower onset emergencies such information as possible to begin helping 2003, our emergency mapping service as refugee crises, famines or epidemics like response teams.” has helped coordinate the response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone MapAction works through a small over 60 different humanitarian crises and Liberia, understanding the geography core team of around 15 staff, and over 80 • All volunteers are invited to join of the situation is often the first crucial step highly skilled and trained volunteers, many MapAction as part of a team ready to mounting an effective response. It helps of whom are ready to deploy at just a few to be deployed at very short notice to ensure that the right aid is pulled to the hours’ notice to anywhere in the world. anywhere in the world right place,” explained MapAction Trustee, “Our volunteer model enables Roy Wood, who is also a Rotarian. MapAction to operate very cost-effectively,

30 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org A map showing affected area of Sierra Leone after landslide and floods

while having a powerful impact right at the demanding and specialised environment of of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that heart of humanitarian responses,” explained a humanitarian emergency. in 2018 there will be 128 million people current MapAction Chair of Trustees, “MapAction gives me a real balance needing urgent, life-saving assistance Nigel Press. in life; the people I meet and experiences I around the world. “We can scale our efforts up and down have are a constant reminder of how lucky Last year’s Caribbean hurricane season as needed, without the overheads of large I am,” reflected volunteer Kirsty Ferris, a was one of MapAction’s most intensive and numbers of staff waiting around to be called Subsea Equipment Rentals Manager. extensive periods of operation to date, with to the next emergency.” She has been deployed numerous times teams mobilised across the region – while The charity works closely with national to disasters such as the Ebola outbreak, conflict in different parts of the world is governments and regional and international three Caribbean hurricanes, Typhoon causing large-scale displacement of entire aid agencies such as the United Nations, Haiyan in the Philippines, the Nepal populations, often putting people in very the International Federation of Red Cross earthquake, the Syrian refugee crisis and dangerous and vulnerable situations. and Red Crescent Societies and Save the floods in Ghana, Mexico and Albania. MapAction has sent expert mappers to Children. “I get to make a real impact in almost 80 humanitarian emergencies since Its patron, Prince Harry, takes a hands- devastating situations using my expertise it began operations in 2002, and supported on approach in his support, participating in in GIS, information management and many more responses remotely. training exercises and face-to-face briefings mapping.” Next time you hear about an emerging on major emergencies such as the 2015 In between deployments and team humanitarian disaster anywhere in Nepal earthquake. training, volunteers prepare government the world, there’s a good chance that MapAction volunteers are drawn from authorities and responders around the MapAction mappers are already pulling a wide a variety of fields and professions, world to plan and prepare for disasters, together all the available data and using it from Antarctic surveying to meteorology sharing their humanitarian mapping and to make life-saving maps that help create a and zoological research. information management knowledge as clear picture out of the chaos. l They join the charity with a solid well as providing remote mapping support understanding of geographical information as needed. systems, databases and information Several Rotary groups have supported Rotary clubs interested in a management, and undergo a rigorous and MapAction’s work in recent years, and the presentation from MapAction ongoing training programme covering all need for its services is greater than ever. The should contact Milena Balfe at: the skills they need to work in the highly United Nations Office for the Coordination [email protected] rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 31 GLOBAL IMPACT Jannine Birtwistle on polio Why I want to End Polio Now! Jannine Birtwistle has a passion – and that passion is Rotary’s fight against polio. The Guernsey-based Rotarian explains her motivation for being at the forefront of the End Polio Now campaign.

KNEW now a part of the product range. www. together, to wipe polio off the face of polio was endpolionowguernseyshop.org All profits the earth. infectious, go to End Polio Now. Rotary clubs, working as a team locally, but I didn’t February 2010 was my first National regionally and nationally, are engaging realise Immunisation Day in India and I’ve with and inspiring our local communities, Iwanting to End now done three more. My passion has politicians and celebrities to get involved Polio Now, and to been fuelled by seeing first-hand the with the Rotary polio story. The more we do so forever, commitment of Rotarians who have been demonstrate Rotary in action, the more was too. on the front line of the campaign since 1985 doors we can open and the more headlines I had known and meeting polio survivors still crawling in we can create together - and don’t forget from my first Rotary experience in 1989 the streets. to take full advantage of the power of as a group study exchange team member It is inspiring to speak with survivors social media. visiting Texas, that eradicating polio was a who have been given opportunities to For every $1 raised, the Bill & Melinda Rotary priority. turn their lives around through corrective Gates Foundation will give Rotary an Rotary Guernsey raised money for surgery, callipers or hand bicycle carts. additional $2 for the End Polio Now it when I was President in 2006. And as And it has been eye-opening to meet campaign. District Polio Officer that year, polio quickly survivors now suffering with post-polio Rotary clubs are arranging lots of became a passion for me and, luckily, for syndrome, as well as meeting families and different #Purple4Polio events on for World my husband Paul too! communities who have been impacted by Polio Day on October 24, and I would love The more I learnt about this entirely the devastating and long-term effects of this our readers to get involved. preventable disease, which has absolutely life-threatening and paralysing disease. Many will feature the planting of no cure, the more I realised Rotary simply I am more determined than ever to do purple crocus corms, including 20,000 had to finish the job. everything I can to help Rotary finish being planted at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Frustrated by the fact that just two the job. and the purple lighting of many local End Polio Now branded products were The media love creating headlines! iconic buildings such as The Library of being made available worldwide to support “Polio outbreak in Venezuela” was an Birmingham in the Heart of England clubs in their awareness and fund-raising inaccurate, premature and opportunistic Rotary district. activities, I decided that with support from news story which did not reflect the World Food for thought for next year and the Paul, from Rotary District Governor, Nigel Health Organization’s statement issued week of February 18th, with Rotary Day Barnfield, and Rotary Guernsey that I could about the investigation of acute flaccid on February 23rd, when I hope we will see do something about it. paralysis reported in the country. clubs organising meal events ranging from The End Polio Now Shop Guernsey These headlines were disproved when barbecues (in the snow?), tea and a cake, was born, making its first appearance at laboratory test results confirmed the cause beer and a pie, #Purple4Polio ice cream our 2009 District Conference with a red- was nothing to do with the poliovirus. snacks, to full black tie dinners and more. themed stand featuring 14 products which The best place for checking facts is the We want local communities to join in really stood out. Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s website, the fun. l Within six months, we’d been asked polioeradication.org, with weekly updates, to make the products available, both current news and lots of other user-friendly For more ideas, or to get involved information. nationally and globally! New friends who’d in the End Polio Now campaign, heard the polio story provided professional However, this ‘fake news’ gives all of us contact your local Rotary club or photographs and a website. in Rotary a warning that we must not take RotaryGBI Polio Champion, The rest is history and the shop is still our foot off the pedal, but accelerate our Jannine Birtwistle at: going strong with #Purple4Polio items efforts to do everything we can, working [email protected]

32 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 33 Online and in print Stay informed, keep connected and be inspired

ROTARY WEBSITE ROTARY MAGAZINE A redesigned and redeveloped rotarygbi.org website will As one of Rotary’s most powerful marketing tools, we are be launching in July 2018. delighted to offer Rotary clubs and members fantastic packages to order and utilise Rotary magazine in their area. This visually-refreshed and mobile-responsive website will provide a modern, online shop window for Rotary in Great The bimonthly publication showcases Rotary to the Britain and Ireland. public and inspires current members.

The website will add greater focus on membership, Individual Subscription Package donations and other means for people to get involved with Receive six issues of Rotary magazine each year delivered Rotary. There will be strong calls to action and the People direct to your door for just £5. of Action campaign will be included throughout. Club Subscription Package We tell Rotary’s story by sharing yours. The website will Receive a box of 25 magazines for six issues each year also be news-focussed, allowing for dynamic and regular for just £30 – that’s just 20p per magazine! updates of articles and features. They will showcase how Rotary members and projects make a difference locally, These can be used either for club members, or to distribute nationally and internationally. within your local community.

Members will continue to receive a digital edition free of charge and all magazine content will be available online on the new rotarygbi.org website.

£5.00only for 6 magazines every year Order your copies today at shop.ribi.org 34 // ROTARYor call the Rotary Support Centre on 01789 765411 rotarygbi.org

GLOBAL IMPACT Diary of a Rotary Doctor Diary of a Rotary Doctor

Rotarian John Clegg is a retired paediatric orthopaedic surgeon who worked in Coventry for 30 years before retiring in 2005. Every year for the past 13 years, he has worked in a polio camp in rural India. John has recently returned from the latest camp – here is his story.

ORKING as a by the Indian orthopaedic surgeon in saw my 30 years' experience in Coventry paediatric orthopaedic view of the language barrier. I was able twice over witnessing a wide range of surgeon gave me the to contribute with the diagnosis of paediatric and adult conditions presented opportunity in 2002 many cases, useful with my paediatric to the camp. to meet and become orthopaedic experience. The operating theatres are adequate friendsW with a wonderful orthopaedic Large numbers of patients are seen and in Sastur, where we have visited surgeon and Rotarian, Joy Patankar from in quick succession. Those suitable for several times over the past three years, the Mumbai. operation are then prepared for theatre. facilities of the hospital are first class. A trip to India followed in 2004, The numbers of patients seen over the The hospital staff are very enthusiastic where I learnt of the work that he and his three days of the camp varied, usually be and quick to learn. They work very fellow Rotarians had been carrying out as between 150 to 200 people. At Chandausi hard throughout the day, and after the a Rotary project in rural India. in 2006, this was over 700 patients and at operations have finished they are preparing My first experience of a polio camp Pandharpur in 2008, the figure was 500. for the next day. The project could not take was in 2005 when I was impressed by the On my first visit to Barshi in 2005, I place without them. organisation, enthusiasm and dedication in providing free, first class orthopaedic Surgeons operate on a child's legs treatment to poor people who would otherwise have had no treatment. I also experienced first-hand the fellowship of Rotary, together with the wide-ranging activities of the Deonar Club in Mumbai. My first polio camp was in Barshi, Maharashtra, in 2005. Travelling overnight by train was an experience, with an enthusiastic reception from local Rotarians, repeated many times in the future. Accommodation varies from place to place, but it is usually reasonably comfortable, if sometimes a little primitive. The camp usually starts with an opening ceremony involving the Rotarians, hospital staff and the families of the patients. The outpatient clinic begins shortly after. Large numbers of patients wait sometimes for a few hours to be assessed

36 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org Post-operatively, the patients are “Travelling overnight by observed for 24 hours before being discharged, train was an experience, and then travelling home by a variety of methods of with an enthusiastic transport. would continue in Treating the late effects Joy's memory. reception from local of poliomyelitis involves It was in 2007 Rotarians, repeated many dealing with the effects of the when I started fund- paralysis and deformity. We are raising to support the times in the future.” limited by the restraints of the camps, giving several operative facilities, using ketamine talks to the Rotary and, where appropriate, epidural community and elsewhere and local anaesthesia. in Coventry. Joy had the foresight to realise A visit to the Rotary that with the successful eradication Club of Coventry Phoenix in the UK. They gain wonderful experience of polio, we should also include other 2006 and 2007 inevitably led working in a different environment, conditions, many of them paediatric, to an invitation to join the operating under the direct supervision of such as clubfoot, cerebral palsy and some Rotary family. consultants on a variety of patients. Living congenital deformities. All are plentiful in I have had tremendous financial and and travelling in rural India is also a new rural India. moral support from Rotary clubs in the experience. Simple operations can be life- District, in particular from the Rotary Everyone who takes part gets a changing. They restore confidence and Club of Rugby. Each camp costs about tremendous satisfaction from helping independence, and for the children they £3000, half of which is provided by UK patients who are generally very poor and can build a life which is not so restricted Rotary clubs and half by the Rotary clubs who would otherwise have been unable to by disability. of Deonar and Ambarnath in Mumbai. afford the cost of treatment. In 2006, tragedy struck when Joy We have also been lucky to attract Some of my colleagues have taken part Patankar suffered a massive heart attack support from other orthopaedic surgeons in the camps on several occasions over the and died at the age of 43. This was a in the UK and the USA who have past 12 years, despite themselves having to tremendous loss to his family, the Rotary accompanied me on the trips. cover the costs of the airfare. community and, of course, to the project. In addition, we have been able Once in India, the Rotary hospitality However, it was decided that the camps include junior orthopaedic trainees from takes care of the rest. l rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 37 LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND

With their teachers, they worked outside school time to transform many unused FEEDING THE 7,000 sections of the school compounds into thriving farms. WO Newbury Rotarians have and empower children to be engaged in The first harvest was used to provide returned from Tanzania having preserving and protecting their environment, food for the entire school. The second harvest promised seven primary schools as well as benefitting from it as future was used for the same with some produce that pupils will receive breakfast at farmers. sold to generate funds to buy pencils, rubber, Tschool three times a week. Following training, the pupils were paper and toilet soap - it also helped them to The schools are on the Lake Victoria given farming tools, watering cans, fertilizers, buy bags of sugar. island of Ukerewe, accessible only by a pesticides and a variety of seeds including Each school also managed to establish three-and-a-half hour ferry journey from the maize, sorghum, egg plants, Chinese cabbage a tree nursery – the total trees planted mainland town of Mwanza. and Amaranthus. exceeded 35,000, which included many The island’s 350,000 population are fruit trees. subsistence farmers and fishermen who live Training was later extended to on the edge of poverty. Most schoolchildren teachers and parents. They were trained walk long distances to school on an empty “THIS WAS THE on agroforestry practices, use of green and stomach, lucky to get something to eat when BEST BREAKFAST farm yard manure, planting of cover crops, they get home after school. crop rotation, and use of liquid manure and Three years ago, with the help of local EVER FOR ME. TO mulching. farmers, John and Chris Philip initiated a SHARE A MUG OF John and Chris have visited the schools Rotary project to establish environmental before, but on this occasion were invited clubs in three schools, each with a PORRIDGE WITH to share breakfast at one of the schools. membership of 30 students. THOSE CHILDREN” Porridge was prepared on open wood fire The project’s general aim was to inspire under a tree by the pupils and at break time they queued up with 1,400 pupils receiving a mug of porridge. John said: “This was the best breakfast ever for me. To share a mug of porridge with those children, who but for Rotary’s commitment, would have had nothing to eat. It was a humbling experience.” Their plans are to reach out to four more schools – making seven in total. The total cost for two years until it becomes sustainable is £16,830. •

Tanzania

For more information visit: [email protected] rotariandoctors.org

38 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org OVER 500 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING

avant Rotarians have reached 504 years of volunteering in their local communities. HFourteen members of the South Hampshire group were recently recognised with long service awards. President Jenny Edgell said: “504 years of volunteering is a fabulous achievement. The certificate for the shortest time is 25 years and the longest serving member David Barnard has 58 years of volunteering and service through Rotary. “Volunteering with Rotary is unique and there are people out there who have MAKING A DIFFERENCE time on their hands who want to put IN PUNE something back.” “It’s the friendship which is so strong ARDIFF Bay Rotary Club has been places across Pune. Rotarians also delivered in Rotary. Making new friends and being working with seven Rotary clubs basic hygiene training to over 10,000 girls. able to put new ideas into action is very in India as part of an imaginative It is estimated that 16,000 women and rewarding.” hygiene project in the city of Pune. girls will continue to benefit directly and Meanwhile, Terry Gauntlett a founder CThanks to a global grant, the Welsh club 70,000 people indirectly from this project member of Langley Park Rotary Club has joined forces with seven Rotary clubs in every day. has been awarded a Mayor's Award by Maharashtra, led by the Rotary Club of Pune It has also demonstrated that Rotary is the Mayor of Bromley for many years of Inspira, to address the challenge of the safe playing its part in the campaign to clean up devoted service to the borough. disposal of sanitary napkins. India's great cities by 2019. Terry was one of Pune Inspira is a modern, currently Cardiff Bay’s contribution to this only six people to all-female Rotary club and this was its first project was £9,500 with further funds have been given the Global Grant project. contributed by the Indian Rotary clubs and award this year. He is 504 Some 250,000 used sanitary napkins matched by Rotary Foundation grants from not the first in Langley YEARS are discarded in Pune every day. They choke both Districts’ Designated Funds and the Park Rotary though; drainage pipelines, litter footpaths and infect World Fund. another member David the waste pickers scavenging on landfill The Welsh club was anxious to ensure Stoneham received the sites. What’s more, they take 500 years to that it was responding to a genuine local award in 2016. • degrade. need and not simply imposing a project on This $77,000 (£54,700) project involved a community that was not a priority for that installing 168 incinerators in colleges, girls’ community. • hostels, Mahila Ashrams, schools and public

CLUB BACKS LIVER SCANNER APPEAL

HRISTCHURCH Rotary Club has announced that it donated £54,000 to 26 charitable causes over the past year. A major enterprise was the purchase of a mobile liver scanning device when funds of over £29,000 were donated to the Bournemouth Hospital Charity. CThis equipment will revolutionise the management of liver disease in the local community. £54,000 Beneficiaries have also included local Scout and Guide groups, plus a donation to ShelterBox.• 26 CHARITIES rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 39 IMPRESSIVE REMEMBERING THE FALLEN FOOD PACKING

EN Rotary Clubs from the Heart of England joined forces to organise a successful Rise Against Hunger Tevent at the King Henry VIII School in Coventry. OTARY International President, Ian Riseley, joined British, French and Australian During the day, schoolchildren, Rotarians who attended the Anzac Centenary Commemorations at the Australian Guides, Sea Cadets, community and National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, northern France. business groups packed a staggering Prince Charles and the Prime Ministers of France and Australia attended the 50,112 meals which will be going to Rcommemoration and the memorial which contains the names of nearly 11,000 Australians who schoolchildren in Kibera, Kenya. died during the First World War and who have no known grave. In addition, a £1,000 donation was The Rotary Club of Ashford in Kent was represented by four members and their partners, made to The Trussell Trust to support who extended their visit to take in the French Rotary District 1520 conference, together with its work in the UK, with 250 kilos of food their twin club of Amiens. • donated to its food banks. Rise Against Hunger has worked with organisations across the world with its ANY OLD IRON?! meal packaging events. Since the launch of its meal pack events in 2005, it has HE Rotary Club of Nantwich is real life experiences of their coaches and the organised 377,547,230 meal packs serving on the hunt for any old or new children they coach.” 74 countries. unwanted tools or toys which are If you have a collection of unwanted Rotary clubs across the world are taking up unnecessary space in tools or toys contact John Crowe on 01948 helping Rise Against Hunger meet the Tsheds, attics and garages. 663 768 or 07860 301355, and he will arrange United Nations goal of ending world Tools such as saws, chisels, anvils, collection.• hunger by 2030. • spanners, screwdrivers, planes, hammers, shovels, spades, along with toys of any kind, no matter how well used, will be collected and sold by the Cheshire-based club at the monthly car boot sales at Alderford Lake. All funds raised go towards humanitarian projects to help the very poorest people from OVER rural villages in India. Rotarian John Crowe said: “In India, we 50,000 will be supporting ‘Jungle Crows’, a charity MEALS which, through the sport of rugby, runs programmes focussed on hygiene, road safety and the menace of mosquitoes. The programme has been developed from the

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SEAN’S TRIP A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP OF A LIFETIME

EAN DUNNE has proven he is a person of action when he embarked on the trip of a lifetime Sworking on the front line eradicating polio in India. A member of the Rotary Club of Newbridge in County Kildare, Sean travelled to India with Rotarians from across Ireland and the UK in a bid to immunise millions of children as part of Rotary’s PolioPlus campaign. Sean’s trip to India, which he committed to once he had retired, was not only because he wanted to see the country, but as International Chairperson for Rotary Ireland, Sean wanted to see first-hand how the effects of this disease are still affecting people today. He said: “Polio is a terrible disease, but one that can be eradicated with a LMOST three years ago, the 15 children at school and 25 young adults simple and harmless vaccine. Rotary Club of Bognor Hotham attending the training centre. “It may seem that polio is something in West Sussex, working with the The training centre has recently moved of the past, but until it is eradicated Chichester-based charity Extra to the town of Towelama where transport worldwide, it is still a danger to every Cover, sponsored a three wheeled tuk-tuk links are better, and which will attract more human. A car to transport disabled children and young students. The tuk-tuks will need to be fully “Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates adults to school in Panangala, Sri Lanka. overhauled or even replaced very soon. Foundation have been working together The tuk-tuk enabled children to be Now, in their latest venture with Extra raising funds and although we are close collected from remote areas, travelling along Cover, the Bognor Rotarians are supporting to saying goodbye to this awful disease rough rain forest paths to school. None of a small pre-school in Sri Lanka which was on forever, we must not take our eyes off the these children had ever had the opportunity the brink of closure two years ago. goal – if the immunisation programme to go to school before. With two teachers and 25 children, the was to stop or slow down this disease Extra Cover had already set up the Rotary Club of Bognor Hotham stepped would again ravage thousands of people Panangala Special Education School providing forward donating £1,500 towards the cost of across the world in a very short space of teachers, food, resources, toilets, and water. the teachers and daily food for the children. time. Let us not forget, that even today, Later the Panagala Vocational Training School Help with resources and school uniform “Polio is only ever a plane ride away from was opened and the only way to fill both is also offered when parents cannot provide it any of us.” schools was to provide transport. themselves. Sean is very active in his role of • Now the schools have two tuk-tuks, with International Chairperson as he works to help those in need internationally, encouraging Irish Rotarians to support international projects as well as those SAIL ON NENE FLYER they support closer to home. ORTHAMPTON Sailability has Pitsford Reservoir where sponsors had an Sean added: “The world we live in recently taken delivery of a brand opportunity to view the boat. Then Rotary is becoming smaller and as Rotarians new RS Venture Connect sailing Club President, Alastair Rowton, named the we believe it is our responsibility to help Nboat which is specially adapted for use by boat Nene Flyer and Sailability Chairman people regardless of borders. sailors with disabilities. Roy Child thanked everyone who has been “To provide help within our own The boat, which cost over £12,000, has involved in this major fundraising project. communities is vitally important but to been paid for by funds raised by Nene Valley Nene Flyer takes its place among reach out further and join forces with Rotary Club, along with a donation from the fleet of boats which provide sailing Rotarians across the world means we can Wooden Spoon Charity. opportunities for those with all types of achieve so much more.” •• A launch party was recently held at physical and mental disabilities. ”•

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HE Rotary Club of Liverpool South was among scores of clubs across Great Britain and Ireland Twho took part in the Stroke Association’s annual ‘Know Your Blood Pressure Day’. The campaign is to help people understand the link between high blood pressure and a stroke, other risk factors and what people can do to reduce their risk of having a stroke. Rotary Liverpool South worked with Liverpool John Moores University and Belle Vale Shopping Centre in Liverpool to carry out blood pressure tests on shoppers. During the day, a record 424 persons were tested; 157 males and 267 females. Nineteen people were advised to visit their doctor following the check, a reduction on this number from previous HE Children’s Heart Surgery Fund partners and friends in response to an appeal years. (CHSF) has hit its target for their by Dick Wood, and his partner Maggie Ablitt, Sixty miles up the Lancashire coast, Keeping The Beat appeal after who had made Keeping The Beat one of the the Rotary Clubs of Fleetwood and Wakefield Chantry Rotary Club main charities for his year in office. Thornton Cleveleys joined forces to host Tmade a breakthrough donation of £7,500. Sharon Coyle, Chief Executive Officer a similar event at the Fleetwood Freeport Launched in 2016, Keeping The Beat is of CHSF, said: “We’re on cloud nine to have Shopping Centre. a fund-raising campaign to raise £500,000 reached this target within two years, and once Supporting the ‘Healthy Fleetwood’ towards a new children’s heart theatre at again our supporters throughout the region initiative, 160 Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). have shown their dedication, generosity and people had their This revolutionary facility will be used passion in reaching this significant milestone. blood pressure to treat babies and children with congenital “The new theatre will significantly taken over the 424 heart disease (CHD) by delivering both open improve outcomes for present and future two days, with PEOPLE TESTED heart surgery, and heart procedures by generations of CHD patients in our region.” three people keyhole surgery. “For future CHD patients, the facility advised to seek Dick Wood, then President of the will mean less invasive procedures, faster further advice. •• Wakefield Chantry Rotary Club presented Lisa recovery times and shorter waiting times. It is Williams CHSF Community Fundraiser, with also of critical importance to the integrity of the cheque. the hospital as a whole, which needs to fulfil The moneys were raised by members, clinical standards set by NHS England.”•

HAPPY CAMPING HEN the Rotary Club of organised by Shropshire Girl Guiding by Shrewsbury Darwin first donating a range of equipment for use by supported the Duke of their groups across Shropshire, including WEdinburgh's Award programme at local tents, tables, rucksacks and kettles. schools its members recognised the value of At the handover, then President Rob the life skills the scheme could produce for Dapling said: "The Rotary Club of Shrewsbury young people. Darwin is pleased to support an organisation The club has now agreed to consolidate that will be able to use the equipment to help its support through the programmes young people for years to come."•

44 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org IT’S ALL PANTS! EET the Yellowmen, a group of of nurses have produced a presentation on was there a lack of sanitary towels which the Sussex Rotarians and friends, menstruation, designed to educate girls what girls could afford, they often couldn't even who have been working in was happening to their bodies. afford sufficient pants to keep them supplied the Kenyan district of Central “This is also a tool to get local teachers during their periods. MPokot for 12 years. and medics to change the lack of support for Once this became apparent, the They include doctors, nurses, engineers, girls suffering from painful periods and lack of Yellowmen ladies went into action and the builders, teachers, paramedics, a dentist, an basic knowledge,” explained Eddie. Knickers Project was born. optometrist, mechanics, linguists, students, So far sufficient money has been raised a broadcaster and an accountant who travel to buy 1500 pairs of pants which will be given twice-yearly to Africa to support local medical to the girls when they receive their free services and schools. “IT’S A SMALL sanitary towels during the Yellowmen visit In that time, the Yellowmen, have built this September. a clinic in Tikeet, refurbished a clinic in Marich THING YOU MIGHT “It’s a small thing you might think, but not and a hospital in Sigor, supplied medicines so to these girls,” added Eddie. and diagnostic equipment to five local clinics, THINK, BUT NOT “Those girls who cannot even afford supported HIV groups, built new classrooms SO TO THESE sanitary towels or sufficient pants to last and refurbished existing schools, and hosted them through their periods will not attend a series of health clinics, including an optical GIRLS” school. So each month they miss anything screening programme and a dental survey. between two and five days amounting to The instigator behind the project is perhaps 10 weeks throughout the year.” Eddie McCall, a member of the Senlac Rotary “At the presentations, sufficient sanitary Eddie explained that 1500 pairs of Club near Hastings who first visited West towels were taken to supply each girl knickers may not be sufficient, but it is a start. Pokot in 2000. He said he was moved by the attending with one month’s supply. The As a guide, the Yellowmen can buy a dozen simplicity of the way of life and by the daily presentation also looks at the towels which pairs of pants in Kenya for Kes 550/- or about struggle faced by the people of Pokot. “I was are made and used by the girls, focusing on £4, far less than the cost of carrying free particularly struck by the lack of adequate the whole question of hygiene.” knickers to Kenya by air. health care,” explained Eddie. In follow-up talks with local nurses and “The Knickers Project is a bit elastic which Now the Yellowmen’s focus is tackling teachers, it soon transpired that the problem will grow as more money is collected,” the education and welfare of girls. Their team was even worse than first thought. Not only he said. For more information about the project please contact Nadia Jones on 0798 38 11 46. Donations, made payable to the “Rotary Club of Senlac”, may be sent to The Yellowmen Knickers Project c/o The Cottage, Crowhurst, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9AS. •

To find out more about the Yellowmen visit: www.senlacrotary.org.uk www.yellowmen.org

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Look for us online at rotarygbi.org or follow us on Facebook: /RotaryinGBI Twitter: @RotaryGBI YouTube: Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 45 rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 47 48 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 49 Editor's letter

and finally... with Managing Editor Dave King [email protected]

Why print is not dead

VANSTON, some 14 miles north Yes, Rotary is, at times, an unwieldy of Chicago, is a quiet town sitting and frustrating bureaucracy of Japanese on the shore of Lake Michigan, Knotweed proportions, but my trip to featuring wide streets, classy Illinois, including a visit to Paul Harris’s Estores, leafy parks and none of the nose- grave, reminded me how the world would bleeding high rise tower blocks you’ll find be a much poorer place without our downtown in the Windy City. organisation. It’s also home to Rotary International. I was gathered in Evanston with Just outside the RI building on editors of Rotary magazines from around University of Mississippi. Sherman Avenue lies a statue of a man the world. The biggest discussion was about During his speech, he pointed out how sitting on packing crates, cradling a baby the relevance of a printed magazine and “digital is not the heaven for a sick print in his arms as he prepares to give the child the emergence of digital. Is print about to product” and urged editors to “create and polio vaccine. An African boy and an Asian receive the last rites? curate, to make that magazine content girl stand at his feet watching. Some countries, the Ukraine for credible and collectible”. The seven-foot high bronze sculpture example, have binned their magazine. Next March, Evanston hosts a meeting represents one of the thousands of I delivered a speech warning fellow editors of the Rotary Council on Legislation. This Rotarians who have donated time and and RI bigwigs that you ditch the magazine august body meets every three years to money to protect children in developing at your peril. review proposed changes to the bylaws countries from the crippling disease, and Digital is a fantastic, fast-moving which govern Rotary. which we are so close to eliminating. platform which opens up a whole new vista The future of the global magazines On a recent visit to Chicago, I spent of opportunity to deliver your message, is under serious threat because the bean some time visiting Paul Harris’s former but the trusted magazine remains the best counters see digital as an easy solution. home in Beverly, to the south of the city, marketing tool Rotary has. How foolish they are because they have no walking around the home of the founder of You want to reach out to prospective proper concept of the power of print and its this great movement. new members, you want to tell the place in a multi-media society. Later, I spent a couple of days at community and key stakeholders what you It is fair to say that the momentous the Rotary headquarters which helped are doing, you want advertisers to invest? success of the End Polio Now campaign, crystalize what we do as Rotarians, and why Print is still the media of choice. Fact. which that emotive bronze statue on we do it. How proud would Paul Harris be Those words were supported by RI’s doorstep represents, would not have now of what Rotary has achieved in Dr Samir Husni, the founder and director happened without the global reach and 113 years? of the Magazine Innovation Center at the resonating impact of the written word.•

Editorial material and opinion expressed in Rotary do not necessarily reflect the views of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland or the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure that the magazine’s content is accurate. Information is published in good faith, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience arising from error or omission. The editor welcomes contributions of articles, news items, photographs and letters, but is under no obligation to publish unsolicited material. The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity or length. Contributors must ensure that all material submitted is not in breach of copyright or that they have obtained any necessary permission, in writing, for its reproduction. While every care will be taken with material submitted to Rotary magazine, no responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage. Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland believes in the highest standards journalistic integrity. Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland and the publisher do not accept responsibility for advertising and insert content. Advertisements are accepted at face value and no liability can be accepted for the actions of advertisers.

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