INSIDE THIS ISSUE Young Citizen Awards 10 The great escape 16 Born different 30 Wet and wild with MAF 32

rotarygbi.org The Official Magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland February/March 2019

4

A MOTHER'S STORY My son was groomed online and murdered 4

2 // Rotary rotarygbi.org CONTENTS

16

4 30 REGULARS FEATURES Rotary Great Britain The Breck Foundation 4 & Ireland President 22 Rotary Young Citizens 10 Letters to the Editor 24 Sir Nicholas Winton 16 Talk from the Top 28 Boost for cancer care centre 26 People of Action 39 Born different 30 And Finally… 50 Wet and wild with MAF 32 Roy Budd's Phantom 34 Stroke awareness 38 32

Editor Dave King EVEN MORE ONLINE [email protected]

PR Officer [email protected] Facebook /RotaryinGBI Advertising by Media Shed Twitter Rotary International in Mark Gardner @RotaryGBI Great Britain & Ireland Sales Manager Kinwarton Road, 020 3475 6815 YouTube Alcester, [email protected] Rotary International in Warwickshire Great Britain & Ireland B49 6PB Published by Contently Limited Instagram 01789 765 411 contentlylondon.co.uk @RotaryGBI www.rotarygbi.org

rotarygbi.org Rotary // 3 ROTARY IN ACTION

Video game lover Breck Bednar was groomed online by a sadistic teenager who lured the 14-year-old to his flat and killed him. According to Breck’s mother, Lorin LaFave, her son’s murder was preventable. As a result, she has launched a charitable trust to protect other children.

4 // Rotary rotarygbi.org ROTARY IN ACTION The Breck Foundation

DAVE KING

RECK Bednar was an 2015, was sentenced to a minimum of 25 intelligent and handsome years in prison for killing Breck. teenager who grew up in leafy, “I went to see Breck’s Lorin never once refers to Daynes by middle class Surrey suburbia. tutor to express my name during the interview. When he was a child, Breck’s She refers to him as The Predator Bhero was the TV character Bob the concern about my son throughout the narrative, describing the Builder, which was apt because he loved moment her first born ran home from fixing things, and was a dab hand at spending too much school to tell his mum about the online putting together flat-pack furniture. time being online with gaming room his friends had invited him Breck loved science and technology, to, to receiving the awful, final phone call so it was inevitable that, by the age of someone I didn’t know. which no parent ever wishes to hear. 10, this chilled and likeable young boy “I was pleased that Breck’s friends found his escape in computing, building She said Breck was had invited him into their gaming room,” Minecraft worlds on his computer. getting good grades recalled Lorin, who worked as a However, four years later, Breck was teaching assistant. dead. He had been brutally murdered, and don’t worry.” “I knew the boys because I had after being lured to his death by someone taught them at primary school. I knew he met online. where they lived, I knew their parents, so The tale is truly horrific. I thought it would be a safe environment And yet, as Breck’s mother, Lorin for him to spend time online. LaFave, tells the story, you can feel the “The friends would make plans raw emotion in her voice. There is even during the day about what teams and the occasional watery eye as she reflects: squads they were going to join. Breck what more could I have done to have would come home, rush through his prevented my son’s death? chores, eat his dinner and meet the guys Some mothers would have become online. He would go to his room, the door hermits by detaching themselves from the was open, he was laughing and joking, world following such an horrendous, life- and nothing sounded dangerous. changing moment. Not Lorin. “Then, I remember one day Originally from Pontiac in Michigan, overhearing what sounded like a man’s on the outskirts of Detroit, this 51-year- voice. I stopped in my tracks, went to old, who is also the mother of triplets, is Breck’s room and asked: ‘Why are you made of stronger stuff. speaking to a man, who is this?’ Following the murder of Breck “Breck said: ‘It’s not a man, mum, in 2014, Lorin, who is a member of it’s the guy who runs the server. The guys Rotary Deal in Kent, set up the Breck at school have been gaming with him for Foundation whose aim is to educate years. He is super clever, really great with children, parents, teachers, the police and Breck Bednar technology, he’s teaching us to code and others about online grooming. encrypt, and we are learning more from And this March, schoolchildren him than we are learning at school.’” across England will be watching a film the consequences of grooming can be Lorin admitted that straight away called ‘Breck’s Last Game’ in planned absolutely horrific.” she was concerned. Her antennae told classes which tells the shocking story. Breck’s killer was an 18-year-old her something was wrong. She checked This short film will be rolled out in called Lewis Daynes. The Predator for his online footprint, schools in Surrey, Essex, Leicestershire He ran the online games room which and although there was information on and Northamptonshire, whose police Breck and his friends visited for hours Facebook, LinkedIn and some games’ forces are supporting the initiative. on end. Daynes posed as the mysterious forums, there were no photographs. Essex Police’s Assistant Chief owner of a multi-million dollar software She asked her son why this was so, Constable, Andy Prophet, said: “This is business based in New York. but Breck laughed it off reasoning it was not an issue we can shy away from. In reality, he was an unemployed because of The Predator’s undercover "Breck’s death shows us that that teenager from Grays in Essex who, in work in America.

rotarygbi.org Rotary // 5 Breck Bednar loved working on his laptop at home, spending hours online playing games and also chatting with friends

“Every time I questioned Breck, he radicalisation or to hack into Government had what seemed like a sensible answer,” computers. explained Lorin. “I would eavesdrop and “Sadly coming from The problem was, wherever Lorin go into Breck’s room to try to engage with America I felt safer turned – to the school, to the other boys’ the boys, but they didn’t want to talk to parents, friends and even the police – they their old teacher. living in England were all initially dismissive, telling her not “But The Predator would chat with to worry, since it was normal for teenagers me. He would say ‘Hey, what’s going on because I am against to spend hours online. mum, what are you doing?’ and we would guns and ironically “The truth is, no matter what the have proper conversations. grooming is for, the characteristics are all “I couldn’t see him, but I could hear my son gets stabbed.” the same, no matter what the intended him and I would ask things like ‘what are outcome is. you doing in New York City?’, trying to “There was the befriending, the get information. But he would never talk that. This was the summer of 2013, when gaining of trust, the building of that about New York. the controlling started. relationship through shared interest “Funny things would pop up on the Lorin explained: “All of a sudden, I – their particular shared interest was screen which we would all laugh at – felt that everything that Breck was saying computing and gaming. comedy or music. to me was coming from the mouth of a “I felt that The Predator was isolating "If I had just come back from a dance stranger online. Breck from me, almost trying to take class, dancing ladies would pop up. It was "It almost felt like there was another charge of him. He trying to parent Breck very engaging, this virtual club house, so I parent trying to parent Breck, telling me and telling Breck what I should be doing. could understand why Breck would want what to do with my child, in my own It just didn’t feel safe.” to hang out there with his friends.” home, and it just didn’t feel right.” Lorin tried to limit her son’s screen But, in time, Lorin noticed how What ensued was a nightmare time, unaware that The Predator had Breck’s personality was slowly changing. situation as Lorin found herself sliding supplied three internet routers to Breck’s He was getting stroppy, refusing to down a vortex of despair, seemingly bedroom, so they could communicate do chores around the house, and reluctant unable to help her son who was being anytime they wanted. He even secretly to go to church or take part in family drawn away from her by The Predator. couriered a £600 iPhone to Breck. activities. She feared Breck was being groomed She called an intervention meeting Breck would tell his mother that The for sex. Then she wondered if her son with Breck’s friends and their parents to Predator had told him he was past all and the boys were being groomed for put a brake on the online activity.

6 // Rotary rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION The Breck Foundation

“You never believe something like this is going to happen to anyone in your family. Breck was a clever and a good boy, yet he fell for the gradual tricks of the trade of a groomer.”

After some persuasion, the other sedate me. I just wanted to get home.” boys agreed to leave the gaming room, Time has passed, but the pain never unaware that The Predator had asked disappears. At times, Lorin admits she Breck to record the meeting so he knew feels angry. How could an educated exactly what was happening. person like herself have been so easily The Predator was running rings duped and manipulated? She was aware round Lorin, who was feeling helpless. Breck was being groomed, but she did not What hurts now is that if the know how to fix the problem. red flags had been raised earlier, and “Sadly, coming from America, I felt interventions put in place, she believes safer living in England because I am Breck Bednar could have been saved. against guns, and ironically my son gets It was later revealed during the police stabbed,” she added. investigation that The Predator had a “You never believe something like number of indecent images stored on his this is going to happen to anyone in your computer. family. Breck was a clever and a good boy, “I went to see Breck’s tutor to express yet he fell for the gradual tricks of the my concern about my son spending too trade of a groomer.” much time being online with someone I Lorin and members of The Breck didn’t know. She said Breck was getting Foundation are now spreading the good grades and don’t worry. message of online resilience in talks “Someone could have recommended across the country. the Child Exploitation and Online Rotary clubs in Deal and Caterham Protection Command. They are part of Breck's mother Lorin LaFave have got involved by helping to fund these the National Crime Agency, but no-one talks and Lorin is hoping other clubs will in the whole year that Breck was being birthday in Spain teaching. join forces. groomed recommended them. Breck asked his father if he could The students are presented with blue "They could have helped.” spend the day, and later the night, at the wrist bands carrying the Foundation’s And it is that ignorance which lies nearby home of one of his school friends. web address and with the Rotary logo. at the heart of the work of The Breck The Predator had pre-booked a taxi Lorin added: “Sometimes I tell Foundation, which seeks to educate which turned up at the family home in myself that I am going to run into a cave children from as young as four-years old Surrey and made the hour-long drive to and never come back out because I don’t about healthy relationships and digital The Predator’s modest flat in Grays. want to do this forever, but I just know resilience – being aware of the dangers It was there that Breck was brutally that if I had heard me speak when Breck of the internet, learning more about murdered, and pictures of Breck’s was being groomed, he would be here grooming and exploitation. bloodied body were sent to his online now. According to the National Crime friends. The first the family learnt of his “If I had been in a training session Agency (NCA), there are up to 80,000 murder was when Lorin’s 12-year-old in school, if I had seen me on the news or people in the UK who “present some kind triplets received texts saying: ‘Sorry to sat in a conference, my son would have of sexual threat” to children online. hear about your brother RIP. Poor Breck, been alive because I would have known Referrals of child abuse images to the we’re going to miss him’. what to do.” l NCA have increased by 700% over the “The next call I got was the worst call last five years. a parent can ever receive,” recalled Lorin. The story ends tragically on February “It was from my ex-husband who For more information visit: 17th, 2014, poignantly the date of Lorin’s said: ‘I don’t know how to tell you this, The Breck Foundation: birthday. Breck was staying with his but The Predator has murdered Breck’. www.breckfoundation.org father in Caterham having just returned "At that point I couldn’t stop You can hear Lorin speak at the from a school trip to Spain. screaming. I damaged my ears. I was at Rotary Showcase in Nottingham Ironically, Lorin was spending her a hotel where they had to get a doctor to from May 10th to 12th.

8 // Rotary rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Young Citizen Awards

EVE CONWAY Game, set and match Abbie is a real tennis ace

It’s time for nominations for the Rotary Young Citizen WheelPower Sports Award, which is one of the most celebrated of honours. Since winning the award last year, teenager Abbie Breakwell has been going from strength to strength.

IFTEEN-year-old Paralympic In 2018, Abbie was selected for She said: “As part of my award I hopeful Abbie Breakwell is the Junior Futures Programme, an elite was granted £500, I decided to split the celebrating a fabulous year of training programme which aims to cheque and gave £250 to the Dan Maskell achievements, winning eight help junior wheelchair tennis players to Tennis Trust, who are a charity who helped national wheelchair tennis progress to the first level of the Tennis me pay for individual coaching sessions. Ftitles, many medals and trophies and, best Foundation world class performance “The other £250 I have put towards of all, Abbie is still absolutely loving it all. programme. a project I am organising as one of my After receiving her award at the Abbie is also celebrating a second year pledges as a Rotary Interact President for Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland as President of her Interact Club of Long Long Eaton. Conference last April, where Abbie was Eaton in Nottinghamshire, where she has “In the summer, I am organising a presented to HRH the Princess Royal been a member for four years. disability sports awareness day, where the with other winners, it was announced that she had been selected to represent Great Britain in the junior wheelchair tennis squad at the World Team Cup in the Netherlands. This was a big achievement since the competition is the wheelchair tennis equivalent of the Davis Cup and Federation Cup. Then, in July, Abbie was crowned British Open Wheelchair Tennis Girl Junior Champion. The British Open is the UK flagship wheelchair tennis tournament. She had ball-crewed all week for the professionals, before her own tournament started. Abbie was so thrilled to win the Rotary Young Citizen Sports Award. She said: “I was shocked to receive the award but was so proud and honoured to be nominated and then to win. “It was such a wonderful experience going to the BBC studios and speaking to presenter Simon McCoy about wheelchair tennis, it was definitely a huge highlight of the year and something I will remember for life.” Abbie receiving her Young Citizen Award at the Rotary Conference in Torquay

10 // Rotary GLOBAL IMPACT Special feature

After a successful year on the court, wheelchair tennis star Abbie Breakwell is hoping to inspire more young people her age to get involved. local primary school students are invited Abbie’s summer of success was to try out many disability sports such rounded off nicely in Grantham, as wheelchair tennis, visually-impaired “She became Leeds Lincolnshire, once again in the national tennis, wheelchair basketball, para- National Tennis Series series, where she became the Grantham athletics and many more. National Tennis Series junior doubles “The children will be able to adult and junior doubles champion. understand that, no matter your disability, She has also won a local sports award sport can be fun and adapted.” champion, meaning she for sporting achievements and for being Abbie sees sport as a way to channel won in all categories, the local ‘This Girl Can’ ambassador. her energy and frequently encourages Abbie finished the year playing at the others to join in, knowing the positive which was outstanding British National Tournament winning her benefits. Long Eaton Rotary Club spotted women’s pool, becoming Division 1 juniors her exceptional activities and put her for her first adult singles runner-up and Division 1 doubles forward for the award. national tournament.” champion, earning her final national title The talented teenager also played for 2018. in her first National Tennis Series adult All this and she has only been playing tournament at the same time as playing wheelchair tennis for two and a half years. junior doubles. where Abbie represented England. She Her dream is to represent Team GB at She became Leeds National Tennis took home a silver medal in the singles and the Paralympics and to play at Wimbledon. Series adult and junior doubles champion, became the National School Games’ girls Knowing Abbie’s determination and her meaning she won in all categories, which doubles champion. love of the sport, that dream will no doubt was outstanding for her first adult national This made Abbie the only girl to win become a wonderful reality. l tournament. medals in both singles and doubles for the More success came Abbie’s way at the last three consecutive years at the National To join Rotary visit: rotarygbi.org National School Games at Loughborough, School Games for wheelchair tennis. rotarygbi.org Rotary // 11 ROTARY IN ACTION Young Citizen Awards

Rotary Young Citizen Awards returns for 2019

EMARKABLE young people Rotary club to receive an award. and 11), Paralympians 17-year-old Kare from across Britain and They include RotaKids, Interactors Adenegan and 22-year-old Samantha Ireland are being recognised and Rotaractors. (Sammi) Kinghorn, Scottish world by the Rotary Young Citizen So from helping the homeless to champion wheelchair racer. Awards in 2019. clothing children who live in poverty RThe accolades celebrate the positive to helping tackle gangs and anti-social Rotary Young Citizen citizenship and responsibilities which are behaviour to being a wheelchair whizz Peacemaker Award shown by many young people through kid on the tennis court, last year’s Young A new award, the Rotary Young Citizen hard work, inspirational ideas and a Citizen Award winners were truly amazing. Peacemaker Award, reflecting Rotary’s area determination to help others and make a Nominees do not necessarily have of focus on peace and conflict prevention/ difference, writes Eve Conway. to be working on a Rotary project to be resolution, is being introduced for 2019. The Rotary Young Citizen Awards eligible, they just have to be recognised This award will recognise young were launched in 2007 to overcome by a local Rotary club as worthy of people, aged under 25, who have made negative stereotypes of youngsters, nomination. a significant contribution by building and instead showcase and celebrate peace and understanding, whether in their outstanding role-models under the age Rotary Young Citizen school, through their local community, of 25. WheelPower Sports Award by for example helping tackle anti-social I set up the awards with my then For the past three years, Rotary in behaviour and youth crime, or with a boss at BBC News and Rotary at a time Britain and Ireland has partnered with peace project internationally. when, as now, the headlines were so often WheelPower, the UK wheelchair sports Winners of the Rotary Young Citizen dominated by bad news about youngsters charity, to create the Rotary Young Citizen Awards will be presented with their award and the aim was to show that the majority WheelPower Sports Award and we are from BBC TV presenter, Ellie Crisell, at the of young people are not like that but are looking for more nominations for 2019. Rotary in Britain and Ireland Showcase in out there doing good in the world. The purpose of the award is to Nottingham on May 12th, 2019. Since then, hundreds of inspirational recognise and highlight the achievements They will receive a trophy, certificate youngsters have been recognised and the and contributions as a positive role and a cheque for £500 to go to their awards have received extensive media model to others by a wheelchair sports chosen charity or project. coverage. participant or group. The deadline for nominations is Every year, individuals or groups of Previous winners include 15-year-old February 28th, 2019. l young people are nominated by their local Abbie Breakwell (featured on pages 10

12 // Rotary rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Young Citizen Awards

An inspiring generation

USIC has played a Bethany Hare was 12-years-old when key role in the life of Rotary Leeds nominated her for a Young Grace O’Malley and her Citizen Award in 2012 in recognition of fundraising for charity the fundraising she’d been doing for a from the age of 12. local children’s hospice. Since then, she’s MShe won her Young Citizen Award continued to raise money to support in 2013 after being nominated by Rotary young people with life-limiting illnesses, Padiham near Burnley for raising tens setting up her own charity, Bethany’s of thousands of pounds for The Royal Two Young Citizen Award winners Smile. British Legion, a local hospice and cancer have become Rotarians. Twenty-year-old Bethany said: “Receiving a Rotary charities – and she’s got big ambitions for Digital Youth Council founder Harry Young Citizen Award has given me loads the future. McCann, a 2017 Award winner, is now a of opportunities and inspired me to member of the Rotary Naas in Ireland, continue fundraising because of all the who nominated him for the award. other young inspirational award winners Harry was also named as one of the I met. ten Outstanding Young Persons of the “The support from Rotarians and World by Junior Chamber International. acknowledgement by Rotary of what I am Maciej Szukala, a 2010 winner, doing is so important and so has become a member of the new-style motivational.” l Rotary Wrexham Glyndwr.

Grace, who turns 21 in February, plans to become a professional opera singer and is in her third year at the Royal College of Maciej moved to Wrexham from Music studying for a Bachelor of Music, Poland when he was ten years old. specialising in voice. He couldn’t speak any English and Her aim is to use her singing talent to found starting his new life in the UK raise one million pounds for charity. challenging. But within five years, he She said: “Receiving a Rotary Young had become an active member of his Citizen Award still remains my most community, teaching English to new precious and proudest achievement. migrant pupils and helping young “Raising money for charity is a very refugees settle in. big part of my life and ethos. Rotary Wrexham Yale nominated "I live with the mindset of, if I can’t him for a Young Citizen Award for his help someone, then who can? work and he has gone on to start his own “Rotary inspired me to carry on this, business “Legal Base” helping migrants having met the most inspiring people and refugees. who have encouraged me to continue Now aged 24, Maciej said: “Winning supporting many different charities. the award has completely changed my "It’s helped craft me into the person I life. The award is on my desk at work am today. So, thank you Rotary.” every day to remind me about what I have already achieved and also to motivate me for what I can achieve for myself and the rest of the community in the future. “I have joined Rotary because I wanted to give back for what Rotary gave to me.”

14 // Rotary rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Special feature t The Grea Escape

©hyperactivz.com 16 // Rotary rotarygbi.org GLOBAL IMPACT Sir Nicholas Winton

Sir Nicholas Winton was a former club president and, for more than 50 years, a member of Rotary Maidenhead. Eighty years ago, he helped save the lives of 669 children from Nazi- occupied Czechoslovakia by arranging ‘Kindertransport’ from Prague to England. Sir Nicholas died in 2015 aged 106. Here, his daughter Barbara tells the amazing story of a man affectionately known as the British Oskar Schindler.

Y father became known which there were many thousands in in the last quarter of that area). his life for organising So with a day’s notice those people had a Kindertransport to pick up their belongings and flee for their from Czechoslovakia in lives to the centre of Czechoslovakia. M1939. Of course, there was a much larger In the autumn and winter of 1938, Kindertransport which brought nearly there were tens of thousands of refugees 10,000 children to Britain from Germany looking for sanctuary. and Austria organised by a consortium of At the time, my father was a London- Jewish, Quaker and community groups, but based 29-year-old stockbroker. their remit didn’t include Czechoslovakia. He came from a Jewish family In September 1938, Britain, Germany, background, his parents were Jewish, but Italy and France signed the Munich he had been baptised in 1916 and brought Agreement which gave the Sudetenland in up as a Christian. Czechoslovakia to Germany. The strange thing about coming from Hitler had claimed this region due a middle class, Jewish, stockbroker/banking to the high proportion of ethnic Germans background was that he was politically left living there. Chamberlain thought this wing and joined the Labour party. would prevent war. He had many friends who were The day after the agreement, the luminaries of the time in the Labour Germans marched into the Sudetenland, party including Aneurin Bevan, Stafford terrorising all those who Hitler had Cripps, George Russell Strauss, and Jennie threatened including politicians, teachers, Lee. They spent a lot of their time talking intellectuals, communists and Jews, indeed politics, including what was going on anybody who had said anything nasty about in Europe. Hitler, (and that included the Jews, of He also had family who had direct

Sir Nicholas Winton with daughter Barbara rotarygbi.org Rotary // 17 Nicholas Winton (centre) with collegues in the Ambulance Service during the Second World War

experience of the Nazis, including his aunt Doreen was getting them and their who had fled Germany in 1933. From families out on trains though Poland. pretty early on, my father was beginning Doreen encouraged my father to visit to understand how violent the Nazis’ the refugee camps where there was snow behaviour was towards the Jews. on the ground and families trying to keep At Christmas 1938, my father got a warm, with not much to eat. Many had fled phone call from a friend Martin Blake. without winter clothes. “My father decided he Martin was a schoolmaster at We look with hindsight at these events was going to try to bring Westminster School who took a group of and decide how we might act, because we pupils skiing every winter, which my father now know what happened in the next few endangered children out of joined. My father got a phone call from years. We have to try to understand this Czechoslovakia to Britain. Martin saying the trip was off, that he was today when we look at a refugee crisis. in Prague and suggested Nicholas should We don’t know what the outcome is He had a motto which join him to see what he was up to. going to be in future years, we have to act With no more information than that, on the conditions we see at present. said: “If something is not my father changed his plans and a week My father had no foresight, as did impossible, there must be a later arrived in Prague. Martin was also very nobody at that time, that Hitler would start involved politically and they had spoken a a mass extermination programme. way of doing it”. He felt this lot about Hitler’s plans. He knew if Martin So when he stood in the refugee camp was difficult, but was engaged in something, it would be and decided to do something, it was not something worthwhile. because he had foresight, it was because not impossible.” My father arrived in Prague where the conditions he was witnessing at that he was introduced by Martin to a woman moment were intolerable. called Doreen Warriner. Doreen was an My father decided he was going to academic and a fellow volunteer who had try to bring endangered children out of flown to Prague and, with the help of the Czechoslovakia to Britain. He had a motto Labour party, was trying to smuggle out which said: “If something is not impossible, of Czechoslovakia and to safety all of the there must be a way of doing it”. He felt this Sudetenland Social Democrat politicians was difficult, but not impossible. who were on Hitler’s wanted list. He started meeting families who

18 // Rotary rotarygbi.org

Some of those saved from Czechoslovakia were reunited with Sir Nicholas Winton

understood here was someone who was stamped under the BCRC heading. going to try to help them. While he was in Nicholas then had a meeting with Prague, my father met Trevor Chadwick, a himself, the kind of meeting he really schoolmaster from Dorset, who was sent by loved where things really got done, and he his school in January to sponsor two refugee nominated himself as honorary secretary of boys and bring them back. the Children’s Section of the BCRC, and off Trevor learnt from my father that he he went to the Home Office. intended to bring a much larger number of Without the difficulty others had “Doreen encouraged my children back to Britain, and Trevor agreed predicted, they agreed to him bringing father to visit the refugee to run the Prague end of the operation if the home children from Czechoslovakia but Government agreed to his plan. with two conditions. Firstly: he had to find camps where there was snow After three weeks in Prague, my a foster family to look after the children and on the ground and families father returned to London and went to secondly: a £50 guarantee was required for the British Committee for Refugees from their eventual repatriation. trying to keep warm, with Czechoslovakia (BCRC), the organisation He set about getting this done. not much to eat. Many had Doreen was working for. Trevor returned to Prague, collecting He said he was going to visit the lists of children, meeting parents, taking fled without winter clothes.” Home Office to ask for permission to bring photographs and sending them back to children from Czechoslovakia. England. My father wrote letters to the But the BCRC urged him not to go as newspapers and magazines. that would antagonise the Home Office, He had the assistance of people like who were already dealing with another Independent MP, Eleanor Rathbone, and organisation bringing children from the Unitarian Minister, the Rev Rosalind Germany and Austria. The Home Office felt Lee, who also wrote to newspapers asking eventually that the organisation would also people to open their homes and their hearts agree to help Czechoslovak children. to these endangered children. On the way out of the office, my father It was a very slow process. This was not took some BCRC headed notepaper and the age of emails and mobile phones. persuaded a local printer to make a stamp It was all done by letter writing and saying ‘Children’s Section’, which he duly the occasional phone call, and he would get

20 // Rotary rotarygbi.org GLOBAL IMPACT Sir Nicholas Winton

a letter saying “we think we would like a working from his home in Hampstead, For instance a group of rabbis came to child”, he would write back “would you like but now they moved into their office in his house saying they understood he was a boy or a girl, which age” and they would Bloomsbury House in central London, bringing Jewish children from Prague to write back and so on. benefitting from their extra resources. live in Christian homes in Britain and that He thought this was taking all too Trevor had to negotiate with the must stop. My father said, ‘That’s not going long, so he produced cards with photos of Gestapo. He was a very gregarious, outgoing to stop. If you prefer a dead Jewish child in six to eight children on which he sent out character, who knew how to behave to get Prague to one living in a Christian home in for each family to ‘choose’ a child. the Germans to do what he wanted. Britain, that is your problem, not mine’. This sped up the work immensely. You would think the Germans would He had a thick skin to get his projects When asked about this later, my father try to stop these children, but they didn’t. done and it worked. agreed that it did look mercenary, but it was The Germans wanted to rid Europe of In terms of this project, my father felt quick and he had to act quickly. Jews, and if these strange characters wanted he had failed. They had 5,000 names on My father had learned to run projects to help them by taking these children to this list and only 669 were saved. But 50 independently from his work at the Stock Britain that was fine. years later when the story came out and he Exchange and he had a method that The Home Office sent out permits for met some of his children, we discovered worked. If he decided a project needed entry to the country and these had to be there were about 7,000 people alive because doing, he would assume everyone else stamped by the Germans to get the children of what he had achieved. would agree with him. on the train. Though we look back at the He would find volunteers by working The Home Office acted very slowly Kindertransport as a positive thing, there out who would do a good job, walking up to and sometimes the trains were ready in were dissenting voices then as there are them and pinning them against a wall so, Prague and the Home Office permits hadn’t today about refugees. There were headlines by the end of the conversation, they would arrived. Trevor and Nicky’s solution was to at the time which read: “No open door to be volunteers. My grandmother was his use a printer in Prague who would make refugees”, “Every refugee is an enemy alien”. first ‘volunteer’ and she helped him with the identical copies of the Home Office permits, So what does this story teach us office work and later through the war with which the Germans then stamped to allow for today’s problems? The scale was any support the children needed. the children to get on the train. overwhelming, but doing something The idea of seeking permission and They crossed their fingers that when achieves something. going through a committee was not his the children arrived in Harwich, the Home When my father met some of the thing at all. He liked to be in charge and Office permits were there waiting for them, children who he rescued for the first time develop his own committee of those who so they could swap the fakes for originals. as adults, they bought him a ring engraved would agree with him. I don’t know if that Whether you believe that is a correct with a saying from the Jewish Talmud ‘Save is the Rotary way, but it was effective. way to do business, I don’t know. But they one live, save the world’. l The one thing my father knew about did what they felt they had to do. this mission is that there was not a lot of Eight transports arrived through the time. He and the political friends like him Spring and Summer of 1939. who had read ‘Mein Kampf’ believed that The ninth, which was the largest with Hitler intended to occupy the whole of 250 children was due to leave on September Europe. My father believed that war was 1st, 1939, the day when the Germans imminent and he had very little time to invaded Poland, closed all the borders and achieve his goals. two days later war was declared. He often had people saying you should That train was cancelled, and most not be doing this, but he would brush off of the children on that train ended up in those comments and get on with it. the Terezin Concentration Camp and then The first transport arrived in Britain Auschwitz. That was heart-breaking for my from Czechoslovakia on March 14th, 1939, father because there was no more he could the day after that the Germans broke do at that point. their promise and invaded the rest of The project was wound up, he went Czechoslovakia. into the Red Cross because he was termed a From then on, Doreen and Trevor were conscientious objector. working under German occupation. It was not because he did not believe in Trevor had to get the Gestapo to sign war, it was because he was so furious with any exit permits for the children to leave the Government and the way they behaved. Barbara Winton has written a Czechoslovakia. After two years he relented and joined biography of her father “If it’s not By May, after four transports had the RAF. My father made his decision and impossible – the life of Sir Nicholas already arrived in Britain, he was officially looked for others to assist him carry it out. Winton”. The book & Ebook is asked by the BCRC to become the head He avoided those who disagreed or available from www.amazon.co.uk of the children’s section – four months opposed him. He was not popular. In fact, For more details visit: after that first meeting! He had volunteers he offended many people. www.barbarawinton.co.uk rotarygbi.org Rotary // 21 ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary GBI President

Rotary GBI President Debbie Hodge Reading is the pathway to prosperity T was in the summer of 2013 when the ‘pathway to prosperity’, and give Roger a available. I met a young Maori woman whose great ‘feel good’ feeling at the same time! Mental ill health often stems from mission in life was to give children It is a sobering statistic that 50% loneliness and Rotary members are the opportunity to learn to read. Her of prisoners in the UK are functionally beginning to look at how they may be part name was Toni and her mantra was illiterate. This means half of the 85,000 of the solution when it comes to raising I‘literacy is the route out of poverty, reading people currently incarcerated have a reading awareness and creating opportunities for is the pathway to prosperity’. age of 11 or lower – with 20% falling well people to get together. Sadly, Toni died while on a Rotary short of that mark. The Worry Tree Cafe in Framlingham, Group Study Exchange trip to District Many prisoners are completely Suffolk, is a great example of Rotarians 1260 (Beds Bucks and Herts) that same illiterate. For some reason they missed working with their local community to summer, but her legacy lives on in the lives out on educational opportunities and provide a place where people can get of countless children that were influenced now Rotarians are working to make sure together and where conversations about by her work. successive generations have the opportunity mental ill health happen. One of the key areas of focus for to learn to read. Rotary is already known for its work Rotary is literacy and in this country many In Birmingham, the ShelterBus project with dementia - Rotarians easing the members are active in reading projects will support the homeless. Nationally the Problems of Dementia: www.repod.org.uk in their local schools. Around the world figures are hard to verify but it is estimated and in many areas they have set up, or are The Rotary Foundation supports its that there were almost 5,000 rough sleepers working with others on, memory cafes or members providing literacy and educational on the streets. The Birmingham ShelterBus dementia clubs. programmes in many countries – including is acting as a catalyst for similar projects in The lessons learnt in this area of New Zealand, Toni’s home country. other major cities. community service will be shared and Ask Roger Green from my own club in One of the key issues affecting both built on as Rotary engages in the local Ware what he gets out of helping little ones those in prison and those sleeping rough community on the issues the community to read – his face lights up and he will regal is mental health. There is a growing are concerned about. l you with wonderful examples of how the awareness that we need to treat mental children are progressing! health issues in the same way as we treat Rotarians are people of action who It’s all part of Rotary’s contribution to physical health, by raising awareness of make a significant difference in the the local community, a contribution that the issues and sharing knowledge of some local community – to join us go to in this instance will help young people find of the simple helping techniques that are rotarygbi.org

22 // Rotary rotarygbi.org

Letters to the Editor

providing equipment for the Samson it needs more women members. Centre in Guildford, which supports My own club has some 35 members, Thank you to the patients with multiple sclerosis, and only three of them are women. But those one providing machinery at Skillway in three ladies are among the most active Rotary Foundation Godalming, which teaches disadvantaged contributors to the mission and workings OVER the past 25 years, Rotary Guildford or disengaged young people practical of a successful club, which is no less bound has been directly involved in 90 Matching workshop skills. together because of their presence. and Global Grants, both as a host and This dispels a common misconception As for encouraging more women international partner, 78 of which have that Rotary Foundation grants only provide members, it may be that ‘fellowship’ is not been in connection with the Guildford assistance to the poorer parts of the world. the most inclusive, inviting and welcoming Rotary Eye Project. Global grants are global. of words. Friendship, on the other hand, We have also been actively involved It is our wish to continue this work can embrace everyone and is understood with at least 26 others, 24 of which have with the help of all of our Rotary friends. and appreciated by men and women both. been part-funded by the eye project. There While we now have a new working name are four more in the pipeline, with many of Global Sight Solutions, we are still Jim Crate others planned. registered with the charity commission as Rotary Bewdley None of these eye project grants the Rotary Club of Guildford Eye Project would have been possible without the and are still very much a Rotary project. generous support of countless Rotary Thank you to everyone who has clubs and individuals within Rotary supported us over the years. GBI and overseas, each of whom have Unhappy reading I LOOKED at the cover of the October provided funds for our work in equipping Andrew M Jackson edition of Rotary magazine and was pretty eye hospitals and treating preventable Chairman of trustees of certain that it wasn’t going to be exactly blindness. the Rotary Guildford Eye Project The bulk of such humanitarian work ‘happy’ reading. is the provision of free cataract operations The cover doesn’t look appealing in any to the poor. This we can achieve for a way, in that it is a morbid picture and the donation of just £5 here in the UK. That Rotary is all about text is ambiguous as it could be read as donation grows to the actual operation cost forging friendships Rotary itself being behind bars and needing rehabilitation or punishment. Then looking of £15 when deployed through a Rotary I WRITE to concur wholeheartedly at the content, we also have articles on Foundation Grant. with your correspondent John J. Elliott domestic abuse and later homelessness. All of our eye project grants require (Rotary, October) who opined that ‘Rotary Whilst I accept that all three subjects the active co-operation of the host Rotary unquestionably made the correct decision are important, I personally, do not think club by contributing a third of the cost, to open its doors to women members’. He that it is Rotary’s remit to tackle them as running the hospitals and carrying out was also in no doubt that dual gender clubs they are massive problems in themselves the eye testing and operations. The whole can operate successfully. and whilst we can donate to homeless programme must be sustainable. He then qualified these opinions, shelters, women’s refuges and to charities The support of many Rotary Districts, however, by suspecting that, whenever who support ex-prisoners (as our club does) in particular their District Rotary women have joined, many clubs have lost I do not think that it should take up most Foundation committees in providing some of the inherently male elements of of our magazine, or at least having all three considerable amounts of funding, plus ‘fellowship’ which helps to bind members subjects in one issue. the vital financial contribution of The together. Another correspondent listed There are many far more positive Rotary Foundation through their grants banter, mickey-taking and common initiatives that clubs, Districts and Rotary programme, has been equally important to interests as enjoyable features of men-only GBI get involved in that should be this success. Recently, this has also included gatherings. publicised and which, if I was thinking support from Rotary GBI’s ‘Gift of Sight’ But modern women are more than of becoming a member, would sway my initiative. capable of joining in and holding their own decision. It is uncertain how many thousands when it comes to banter, verbal exchanges But I hardly think that any of of US dollars have been generated for these and humour. Men and women, moreover, these three subjects would attract many projects, but it is clear that the total value have many interests in common. interested parties to join. easily exceeds £3,750,000! Yet another correspondent writes that

As a consequence of the eye projects, Rotary definitely has its own problems to Tony Willson Indian clubs have sponsored three global resolve when it comes to membership. It President, Rotary Colchester Centurion grants supporting projects in Surrey, two does indeed. It would like more members;

We welcome your letters on any subject to do with Rotary. Submissions should not be more than 250 words long. Please include your name and address. Email: [email protected] or post to: Rotary magazine, Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6PB. The comments made on this page do not necessarily represent the views of Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland and Rotarians.

24 // Rotary rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org Rotary // 25 ROTARY IN ACTION Boost for cancer care

JAMES BOLTON Creating a brighter future

The largest ever Rotary Foundation Global Grant to be awarded to a project based in Great Britain and Ireland will dramatically improve access to radiotherapy and cancer treatment in the south of England.

HERE is a brighter future in Swindon, a satellite unit of Oxford radiotherapy service for the people of ahead for medical care in University Hospitals. Swindon and Wiltshire will mean over Swindon, thanks to a record- A Global Grant of £175,000 will 13,000 patient journeys for treatment will breaking Rotary grant. be added to the £158,000 already be significantly shorter every year as they Rotary clubs in Swindon raised by Rotary clubs in Swindon and no longer need to travel to Oxford. Thave been working together to support the surrounding areas to take Rotary’s Currently, the journey can take the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal contribution to the appeal to one third of between one and two hours, depending on based at the Great Western Hospital. a million pounds. This is the largest ever the time of day, which can be physically The appeal, which has now hit its Global Grant in Great Britain and Ireland and emotionally draining for patients and £2.9 million target thanks to Rotary’s The Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s own their families at an extremely challenging support, was set up by Brighter Futures, and only charity, supports around 1,000 time. the charity for the Great Western Hospitals humanitarian service projects across the Some patients even opt not to receive NHS Foundation Trust in May 2015. globe each year in a range of areas such as radiotherapy treatment or palliative care Funds will be spent on developing health, education, sanitation and peace. because they cannot face the prospect of a radiotherapy cancer treatment unit This development of a local the journey on a daily basis for as many as six weeks. Peter Wells, a member of Rotary Swindon who was closely involved with Global Grant bidding process commented: “This really is what Rotary is all about. Engaging in practical projects that provide potentially life-changing solutions to local problems. “Rotary members and The Rotary Foundation are doing incredible things around the world, supporting around 1,000 projects like this one, every single year. “What has been so special is that all of the fundraising has been done locally, not only by Rotary clubs in the area, but small businesses and individuals as well. “Rotary fundraising activities have included a duck race, swimathon, spring fayres, fun runs and more. Not only have these events contributed funds towards An artist impression of the radiotherapy centre the radiotherapy appeal, but they’ve also

26 // Rotary rotarygbi.org ROTARY IN ACTION

The LinAc - Linear Accelerator - machine in Oxford

fostered great community spirit and that the journey itself became extremely involvement in our area – so it’s a double stressful for Fred. win!” “The sad reality is that cancer Thankfully, Fred’s wife and family had Commenting on the appeal, affects one in three of the UK flexible lifestyles and work commitments Catherine Newman, Associate Director meaning they could support him with of Fundraising at Brighter Futures, said: population and the number of travel, but this isn’t the case for all patients. “We’re so thankful for all the hard work incidents is predicted to rise by Fred returned to full health two years later. our local community and the Rotary clubs Upcoming fundraising events for of Swindon and surrounding area put in to 16% over the next ten years.” the radiotherapy appeal will have their raising this money. donations go towards supporting the “The sad reality is that cancer affects wider cancer pathway at the Great Western one in three of the UK population and the who had experiences like Fred Bassett, Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. number of incidents is predicted to rise by who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in That additional funding will help 16% over the next ten years. 2006. Six months after his diagnosis, Fred to extend the Trust’s programmes and “This money will fund critically began a course of radiotherapy at the John research into the early diagnosis and important equipment for a new Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. detection of cancer. l radiotherapy unit that will support the Initially, Fred thought he could drive 284 people who receive a cancer diagnosis himself to his appointments on the 76- every month at the Great Western mile round trip from Swindon, but after Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. the first few days he realised that this was “We hope the success of this appeal not going to be possible. To find out more visit: shows people how important their Radiotherapy for a prostate cancer Rotary Foundation: continued support is, no matter how big patient has to be delivered on a full www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/ or small.” bladder. The delicate balance of managing rotary-foundation The development of a satellite this and dealing with the side effects of Brighter Futures: treatment unit is going to support people the treatment on the trek home, meant www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk rotarygbi.org Rotary // 27 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

n my travels over the past year, I’ve visited very second of every day, Rotarians ne of the first discussions on election many strong, vibrant clubs and districts are doing good in the world through as Rotary International Director is the Ithat are transforming their communities. EThe Rotary Foundation. They are planning, Olocation of the Zone 'Institute'. As you will When I attend their meetings, I can feel the funding, implementing, and completing know - in October 2017 - some of us travelled energy. When I meet their members, I can projects, both locally and globally. It is a to the beautiful city of Riga in Latvia, but for see they are people of action. source of great pride for us all. 2018, after much soul searching, the unique I’d like to challenge every Rotary club To me, this is one of the unique features location of Stratford-upon-Avon was chosen. to come up with at least one high-impact of Rotary membership. You can get as At the same time the name was changed to service project. Each club already has the involved as you choose. You can participate 'Be The Inspiration' weekend. potential, the resources, to make it happen. in a project from beginning to end, or you In some respects the location is the It doesn’t take millions of dollars. One can join in anywhere in the process. But it all easy part because we have no idea of the of the most transformational projects I’ve starts with you and me making a gift to our numbers that will attend. However, I can been a part of involved providing a Jeep to a Foundation so that funds are available. now inform you the number of participants group of midwives in Haiti. For many of us, a district grant offers and the chosen venue the Crown Plaza Hotel They told us they needed a way to reach the quickest and most convenient way to exceeded our expectations. Thank you to all expectant mothers in a remote part of the participate in grant activity, because it usually who attended. country. We supplied a Jeep, painted it pink, involves a local project. It was a training event for incoming and put the Rotary logo on it. A district grant project is a good way District Governors, the re-enforcement of Three years later, we went back to see to showcase Rotary, to get publicity, to Foundation ideas, the opportunity to listen to how they were doing. They were excited by involve prospective members as well as the inspirational speakers - we certainly had it all. the outcomes: they told us that the mortality beneficiaries, and to add value to your own Rotary International President Barry rate for mothers and infants in that region community. Rassin and wife Esther, Foundation Vice had dropped by 50 per cent. That’s what I Global grants offer us a way to participate Chairman Brenda Cressey and husband call transformational service. in international projects in one or more of our Dick made conversation easy - the stories But Jeeps don’t last forever, and after six areas of focus. from Rotaract, young Rotarians, experienced eight years on the road, that vehicle was As we develop a project idea, we conduct Rotarians inspired - performances from local on its last legs. So we bought a pink Land a needs assessment to determine what is schoolchildren and the Alcester Drama Club Cruiser. It’s still on the road, allowing the needed in the community, the resources stimulated the imagination! midwives to provide prenatal care to women required and how they can be accessed, and Anyone in the vicinity of the Crowne in that remote region. how to carry out the project collaboratively Plaza could not escape the publicity material What makes a project transformational? with Rotarians, partners, and others in the of Rotary. Rotary GBI certainly put on a It doesn’t have to involve a lot of money, field. memorable few days, enhanced by a new but it has to reach people and have a major We make sure that our project includes member joining the Arch Klumph Society. It impact in the community. That is the key, Rotarian involvement, benefits the greatest was an experience we shall remember for a and that is where careful planning and number of people, and can be maintained long time. thorough research come in. So do your by the local residents once it is completed to My sincere thanks go to the committee research. Leverage your resources. Seek ensure a long-term effect for the community. and everyone involved led by Keith Barnard- partnerships that can increase your impact. We all take comfort in knowing that these Jones, and the Rotary GBI staff, under the And then take action. steps have been meticulously followed. watchful eye of General Secretary Amanda Of course, service is only part of what And, because of this proper stewardship Watkin. a strong club must offer. It must also and accountability, we all continue to I have still many tasks to complete, have good speakers, provide leadership contribute our time, talents, and treasure. evaluations of our procedures and committees development, involve Rotaract and Interact, You see, it is our Foundation. We are plus areas to visit - Scotland, Ireland and and bring value to its members and reasons proud of it, and it is truly making a difference Gibraltar - so with six months to go of my to participate in Rotary events. in our world! l Director journey my upcoming involvement If your club is transformational and with the International Assembly, Council well-organised, everything else will follow. on Legislation, Rotary GBI Conference and Members will be engaged, and new members Showcase, the International Convention, will be eager to join you. Fundraising will be Board and committee meetings – so I fear this easier: people love to give when they see how will swiftly go by. their money is making a difference and when I am here to be your spokesman on the they know the organisation is accountable. Board so please keep me up to date with your Your club will be vibrant, relevant, and concerns, ideas and aspirations of where we alive — and it will Be the Inspiration to those can take our wonderful organisation. l within its ranks as well as to the community it serves. l

28 // Rotary rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Joanne Lockwood interview

Born different

Meet Joanne Lockwood, a successful businesswoman, who will become President of her Rotary club later this year. But it’s not been easy for Joanne who tells the story of growing up as a male, but always wanting to make the transition to living life as a female.

OANNE was born in 1965, the fantasy, it was about my identity and what son of middle-class parents living I wanted to do and how I fitted in.” in Portsmouth where her father After leaving school, she joined served in the Royal Navy. the RAF as an apprentice technician, By the age of six, this worked for the electronics company, brightJ and very self-aware youngster was Plessey, and the private banking company living the life of a young boy, but sharing Coutts, before later setting up her own recurring dreams that one day she would consultancy. grow older as a woman. She married Marie in 1987 and the “At the time, I had no reference point couple had two children. Yet the feelings that I was trans. I remember doing what would not subside. any little girl does at that age; trying on “For 40 years, I led this imaginary life. mum’s shoes, clothes and make-up. “I would have these lucid dreams, “For a girl, it is cute and funny. But I where I could control myself being a realised what I was doing was not the right woman in those dreams just doing thing to do. That was the beginning of me everyday things. I took comfort from keeping things hidden.” having that subconscious world.” That was the voice of Joanne Then, in the summer of 2012, came Lockwood, now 54, chatting in a crowded the tipping point. According to Joanne, Portsmouth pub. this was the time to bury a lot of bad news She definitely doesn’t stand out from in one go and tell her wife of 25 years. the crowd, wearing a summer dress, Remarkably, the couple stayed together. sporting neatly manicured nails and a new Joanne added: “For all of our brunette bob, having dispensed with the marriage, and for as long as I could blonde look a few months earlier. remember, I was wearing women clothes For more than 40 years, Joanne in private. It was when I started showing has kept this secret – even while serving Marie the other side of me that things as National President of Round Table changed. We had to keep it a secret from between 2008 and 2009. the children and everybody else. More dramatically, even Joanne’s “I was allowed my ‘hobby’. It was like wife and children were unaware, until a playing golf or going fishing. It was boxed few years ago, that this person they loved off. Marie would say if you want to go off harboured feelings of being a female born and play with your friends, that is fine once in a man’s body. in a while, but don’t let it interfere.” “There was no epiphany moment as Two and a half years ago in 2016, soon such. I would describe it as an awakening, after their son had graduated, they told an understanding, a realisation, and a the children. They were stunned and there momentum,” explained Joanne. were tears. A few weeks later, after a bottle “It was not about sex, or sharing a or two of Prosecco, Joanne decided to go

30 // Rotary rotarygbi.org Joanne speaking at Social Recruiting Day

public and announce on Facebook who she Innovation SEH, based in Portsmouth, really was. Hampshire. “Before all this, I was working away “More dramatically, “We’re a collection of local people, a lot and became comfortable with who even Joanne’s wife and forming social enterprises and businesses, I was. I gave myself a name, I created a who are very supportive of each other,” Facebook account, I met some friends and children were unaware, added Joanne. “In terms of the gender mix, started to live and function as a woman at until a few years ago, it has a bias towards female. weekends or when I was away. “More women are creating social "That comfortableness became real. that this person they enterprises, working in small businesses “However, the more I allowed myself loved harboured feelings who want to collaborate, so that’s why to be sucked forward by the momentum of Rotary and this organisation resonated. this, the more uncomfortable I felt about of being a female born "It has given us a way of pulling going back. together, to share the whole concept of “I was being coerced back into my box in a man’s body.” social enterprise which benefitted the after a weekend away and I thought I can’t community. keep going back in the box.” “I hope this article changes the life In February 2017, Joanne sold the of a trans person who may be in Rotary business to concentrate on her new life. population identify as transgender, already, but who thinks Rotary is not That now involves running a business with around 0.2% who are open or in going to accept them because their club is to provide support and awareness around transition. unreceptive at that time. transgender and gender non-conforming “I provide trans-awareness and “Rotary can be an open and inclusive individuals. She works with businesses and support to businesses to make other place for other trans people and more organisations through running lectures, people’s journeys smoother, because I inclusive to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and workshops, as well as conducting audits know how difficult it is.” transgender community as a whole.” l and consulting. Joanne now has a fresh and positive The statistics are imprecise, but outlook on life. This summer, she will it is believed that one per cent of the become President of Rotary Social To join Rotary visit: rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org Rotary // 31 GLOBAL IMPACT Mission Aviation Fellowship It’s a wet and wild world

The Mission Aviation Fellowship has served as a vital lifeline to some of the remotest parts of the world. Dave King talks to pilot Chad Tilley about his work flying to some of the most inaccessible parts of Bangladesh.

LYING is what Chad Tilley a load of medicines, blankets and supplies, does. Whether it is as piloting you realise what a valuable job you are a supersonic F15 jet aircraft, doing. or flying aid to remote parts “I am a pilot, it is a very technical of the world aboard a humble profession. So when you get up in the Fseaplane, they are both jobs which require morning, bringing health care workers, high technical skills, and nerves of steel. doctors and volunteers to assist isolated For seven years, between the two Gulf people, some of the poorest people on wars, the 47-year-old from Chicago served the planet, you know that if it wasn’t for in the US Air Force. you they would not be physically able to But for the past 20 years, he has been get there. So, for that reason, it is a very working for the charity Mission Aviation rewarding job.” Fellowship (MAF), which provides a vital MAF, which is based in Kent, is a lifeline to some of the world’s grimmest charity with a strong Christian ethos which humanitarian disasters. has been operating since 1947, initially He said: “I really liked the military flying to Sudan, but then reaching out and I still follow my friends who are there. across some of the remotest parts of Africa. “But I wanted to use my gifts and Today, MAF has grown from a one skills in aviation to help people in need, plane outfit, to a dynamic organisation and when you fly into somewhere like which flies more than 140 light aircraft to South Sudan, to a remote community with 1,700 destinations.

32 // Rotary rotarygbi.org GLOBAL IMPACT Special feature

They describe their mission is to fly its dangers. For the pilots, surveying spiritual care and physical help to people the miles and miles of flooded land, it’s in need in remote places. “We cross “Bangladesh has difficult to discern where the actual river boundaries and overcome barriers,” says something like 8,000 is. And with the ever-changing weather MAF in its promotional literature. in Bangladesh, modern computerised Chad is currently based in kilometres of rivers so we weather information is a god-send. Bangladesh, one of the wettest places on can use the seaplane Chad also spent some time working earth – a country which sits at sea level from Kenya, and flying into South Sudan and endures around 2,000 millimetres to go anywhere” as part of the United Nations’ ‘Operation of rainfall, caused by the weak tropical Lifeline’ when there was a war taking depressions which surge across the Bay of place. His plane, bringing in aid, was shot Bengal caused by the wet monsoon winds. at, but Chad used his military experience That’s why a seaplane – top speed 135 The seaplanes are a life link to these to ensure they were safe. knots - is the best mode of transport to communities. Often, after a major cyclone Other mercy flights over war-torn travel around in. has hit a region, Chad and his team will be countries have not been so lucky. Based near the capital Dhaka, the among the first to reach a ravaged region, “I really enjoy my job,” said Chad. seaplane chiefly serves four floating bringing supplies and working with “We work with 105 different hospitals, flying in doctors from the the Bangladesh government and relief organisations and wherever I go around UK and Europe to work with the rural agencies to assess need. the world I enjoy seeing different communities. The surgeons can be It is a tough job. “Some of the stories organisations helping people in need in performing up to 400 surgeries a week on you hear are heart-breaking,” reflected different ways; health, education, water these remote floating hospitals. Chad. “You are floating on the riverbank sanitation, disaster response, relief and “Bangladesh has something like 8,000 and you can see the devastation in the development. kilometres of rivers so we can use the community. “What I did in the military and what seaplane to go anywhere,” explained Chad. “You hear about the 12 foot high I do now is very similar. It is about being “Unlike Canada or Alaska where you wall of water which washed through their on a mission. In the military you have an might find prepared seaplane facilities village. objective and a purpose, the same here in where you can drop the landing gear and “People are coming up to the aircraft Bangladesh. taxi in, there is none of that in Bangladesh. crying, telling you stories about which “I am using my skills here to assist “It comes down to someone’s skill to child they had to choose to save. people who would not have the help if they get in or out of these rural communities. "They may have one child in their did not have the organisation.” l Flying a fighter plane is great, but once arms and another holding onto their leg in you have flown a seaplane, you don’t want the water. They have to make a choice. to fly much else after that. “I am a father of five children, so when “It is fun, and in Bangladesh it is an I hear these stories my heart is breaking.” To find out more visit: amazing tool which can serve anywhere in Flying is, of course, not without www.maf-uk.org the country.”

rotarygbi.org Rotary // 33 The Phantom returns

OY BUDD was a renowned Barbican, where it was due to premiere 25 I feel proud to be able to support this cause.” composer and a Rotarian who years ago, is history in the making.” She added: “When Roy passed away, died of a brain haemorrhage Sylvia Budd revealed that her I promised to finish his work for him. It just weeks before the premiere husband had originally planned to perform took me many years to find the energy to in London of one of his most ‘Phantom of the Opera’ 25 years ago at the actively start working on a concert of Rambitious musical projects. Barbican in aid of UNICEF. the 'Phantom,' since Roy's death left me In 1993, Roy had completed the score “Because it was supposed to be a in great shock. to Rupert Julian’s classic 1920s film ‘The charity event, there was no question that “I then started restoring the print of Phantom of the Opera’. But the scheduled 'our' performance at the Barbican would be the film which was a long and arduous performance was cancelled when he a charity event as well,” admitted Sylvia. process. suddenly died aged 47. “I have followed Rotary's fight against “I had such a great respect for what It wasn’t until nearly a quarter of a Polio for many years and have always been Roy had written that I felt the enormous century later when Roy’s widow, Sylvia, very touched by its work and the effect its responsibility on my shoulders. fulfilled his dream and the moving work has had on the African community. "After the restoration was finished and masterpiece was performed at the London the technical problems solved, I started Coliseum in October 2017. looking for a producer since I couldn't Now, for only the second ever finance a performance myself. performance, Roy Budd’s ‘Phantom’ score “Through sheer luck I met Nick Hocart will be heard once again at the Barbican on who had just produced his first film. We March 18th, where it should have received became friends and when I told him of my its premiere 25 years ago. dream to get the 'Phantom' performed, we Roy, who provided the musical score to decided to embark on this project together.” a host of films including ‘Get Carter’, ‘Paper Eve Conway, Vice Chairman of Rotary Tiger’, ‘The Sea Wolves’ and ‘Who Dares International's End Polio Now: Countdown Wins’ was a member of Rotary London, and to History Campaign Committee, said: so all proceeds from the performance will "We would like to thank Sylvia for this go towards the End Polio Now campaign. wonderful gesture to help Rotary in our It will be performed by the Docklands Purple4Polio campaign to End Polio Now Sinfonia, conducted by Spencer Down. and forever. Producer Nick Hocart said: “I am “We have never been closer to making excited to work with Spencer Down and history by eradicating only the second Docklands Sinfonia again. human disease ever and achieving Rotary's "To be presenting Roy’s work in the Composer Roy Budd goal of a polio-free world." l

Roy Budd’s ‘Phantom’ score will be heard at the Barbican on March 18th For tickets, visit: www.barbican.org.uk Special VIP £100 tickets are available which, as well as the best seats in the house, also provide an opportunity to meet Sylvia Budd, the conductor and production team after the performance. These tickets are only available from Rotarian Janine Birtwistle at: [email protected]

34 // Rotary rotarygbi.org The Phantom returns TOGETHER, WE VOLUNTEER Rotary is the place to turn your ideas and #RotaryRide vision into lasting change. We provide flexible, HOLD A ROTARY RIDE CYCLING EVENT ON innovative, diverse and project-focused OR NEAR FATHER’S DAY 15TH & 16TH JUNE volunteer opportunities in your community. AND HELP BEAT PROSTATE CANCER.

Choose a static, family or long-distance ride, pick a venue and date then register at: ride.rotarygbi.org

For more information contact [email protected]

Join now: rotarygbi.org

/RotaryinGBI @RotaryGBI @RotaryGBI Rotary Ride supports Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Scotland, Prostate Cymru and The Irish Cancer Society along with local prostate cancer charities.

36 // Rotary It’s showcase Nottingham HE city of Nottingham will be Also sharing the stage at the Royal Speakers will include Rotary hosting this year’s Rotary GBI Concert Hall will be Lea Milligan from the Purple4Polio Ambassadors Julia Roberts conference – but with a twist. international development organisation and Colin Powell. This inspirational In a bid to bring Mercy Ships UK, as well a representative afternoon will feature clips from the together a number of Rotary from the Rotary-backed international aid acclaimed Hollywood film ‘Breathe’, which Tcompetitions which have traditionally sat charity, ShelterBox. brought polio to a new global audience. outside of the conference, as well as making Running alongside that session And then on the Sunday, the final the event appealing to non-Rotarians, the on the Saturday, there will be a slavery session of the conference entitled ‘Let Youth three-day gathering has been re-titled: the symposium entitled ‘Ending Slavery In Our Be Heard’ culminates with the national Rotary Conference and Showcase. Communities’ taking place at the nearby Youth Speaks final and the annual Rotary Running from Friday 10th to Sunday, Albert Hall. Young Citizen Awards. 12th May, this 94th annual gathering of Organised by the University of Rotarians from across Great Britain and Nottingham Rights Lab, this all-day event Other key features of the weekend will be: Ireland will be centred on the Royal Concert will focus on tackling modern slavery with • Showcase exhibition – highlighting some Hall which lies in the heart of Nottingham some of the world’s leading experts in of Rotary’s amazing projects at home and city centre. human trafficking. There will be a specific abroad across all three days. Saturday morning will have a focus afternoon session for Rotary members • Meet the Presidents – an informal Friday on Rotary’s work at home and abroad, to attend. afternoon of tea and cake with the Rotary featuring Lorin LaFave from The Breck As an alternative option on Saturday International President, Barry Rassin, and Foundation, a charity which raises afternoon, the Royal Concert Hall will Rotary GBI President, Debbie Hodge. awareness of internet safety, particularly host a session called ‘Polio – Nearly There!’ for children. which will see Polio through the eyes of a • Foundation lunch – a Saturday ‘grab and Polio survivor. go’ lunch with proceeds going to The Rotary Foundation. • Rotary at the Races dinner – a three- course Saturday night dinner with keynote speaker, RI President, Barry Rassin, plus music and dancing at Colwick Hall next to Nottingham Racecourse. l

For more information visit: rotarygbi.org

rotarygbi.org Rotary // 37 ROTARY IN ACTION Special feature

Do you know your blood pressure?

OR every 10 people diagnosed 2,000 events and 50,000 blood pressure Association to ensure you have everything with high blood pressure, tests, where 23% of all attendees have been you need. seven remain undiagnosed and signposted to their GPs following a high Get in touch if you have any queries untreated - that is more than blood pressure reading. about the campaign. Contact the Stroke 5.5 million people in The 2019 KYBP Day is on Saturday, Association’s prevention team by emailing FEngland alone. April 13th, but you can register to hold an [email protected] or call 01527 908918. With Rotary’s support via Know event in the surrounding weeks, as well as Stroke Prevention is one of several Your Blood Pressure events, the Stroke throughout the rest of the year. health and wellbeing campaigns that Association is able to reach those at the If you would like to organise your Rotary clubs across Great Britain and highest risk. own KYBP event, you can visit the website Ireland are involved in. The Know Your Blood Pressure below, which will tell you everything you Why not consider joining forces with (KYBP) campaign helps people to need to know and do to successfully hold a other groups in your community to host a understand the link between high blood KYBP event: www.stroke.org.uk/kybp Rotary-sponsored health fair and use the pressure and stroke, as well as other risk Once you're registered, you'll receive opportunity to run your KYBP sessions factors and, crucially, what they can do to an updated welcome pack, with our event alongside promoting blood and organ reduce their risk of having a stroke. guidelines and a materials order form donation, abdominal aortic aneurysm KYBP events are held in community enclosed. screening, defibrillators, prostate cancer, settings across the UK offering free The Rotary Promotional Toolkit and dementia research and raising awareness blood pressure testing, stroke prevention Rotary Social Media Guide include some of mental health issues. l information and friendly advice. handy tips for promoting your event both In 2018, Rotary clubs ran 318 online and offline. KYBP events across the UK, and in past Make sure you register you event and For more information on the Rotary years this has contributed to the Stroke order updated materials at least 4 weeks Health and Wellbeing projects visit: Association’s yearly totals of approximately in advance. This will help the Stroke www.rotarygbi.org

38 // Rotary rotarygbi.org LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND

PEDAL POWER OTARY Ireland has expanded “Not only are we helping thousands “We believe that the long-term its commitment to collecting, of students get an education, we are also effects of this project will have a huge and refurbishing and delivering supporting the Irish Prison Service in the positive impact on the children and their unwanted bikes to school rehabilitation of prisoners and helping families, but we have a long way to go and Rchildren in Africa giving them the chance to eliminate the need for the disposal of we can’t do this without the public’s help.” of a better life. bikes into landfill sites. Partnering with Loughan House The School Bikes Africa project now “Until now, we have only provided Open Centre, an open low security prison includes bicycles to benefit younger older children in secondary education in County Cavan, Rotary Ireland is also students from the age of four. with bikes, but we are now delighted to helping to make a difference locally This major project is now into its sixth open this up to younger children.” by playing an important role in the year and has to date provided around “Children in Africa, especially those rehabilitation of prisoners who are proud 3,000 young people in The Gambia with in rural areas, often have a very long way to give something back to society. the ability to get to school. to travel to get to school, perhaps even Cian is one of the prisoners involved Monica Robertson, District Governor walking up to 20km in a day. in the project. He said he gets a thrill by for Rotary Ireland is excited to be driving “Having a bike will allow a child to being involved in a project which helps the project forward. She said: “Our School get a better education, meaning they can others. Bikes Africa project is one which we are better provide for their families and lead a He said: “I love working on the School incredibly proud of. more fulfilled life. Bikes Africa project. “We are a real team and work together like a close family. It gives us a “It’s nice knowing that the work we do purpose, as five days a week we get to work from 8am to 4pm and we have even here puts a big smile on the face of a kid in gained City and Guilds qualifications. Africa and that we are doing something “It’s nice knowing that the work we do here puts a big smile on the face of a kid really good for someone else.” in Africa and that we are doing something really good for someone else.” Loughan House Open Centre Assistant Governor, Jimmy Keely, says the project has given the prisoners a real sense of community and something to be proud of as they help to make a positive impact on the lives of the young people in Africa. Rotary Ireland is looking for decent sturdy bikes with a wheel span no smaller than 12 inches. Ideally, the tyres will be thick to deal with the terrain in Africa. Donations are also welcome as each bike requires £15 / €15 to cover the cost of refurbishment and transport to Africa.•

To donate visit: www.rotary.ie rotarygbi.org Rotary // 39 DICTIONARY A HELPING HAND CORNER FROM HOSPITAL OR the 11th year running, Rotary Wylde Green has been supporting the national literacy programme with its FDictionaries For Life project. This year the club, which is based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, has funded the project in partnership with the Aviva Community Fund, donating 318 dictionaries to schools in the area. The project reflects the priorities of the Rotary International movement nationally by gifting dictionaries to pupils in local schools. Amy Coshan, a teacher at Wylde Green Primary School, said: “Year 6 were extremely grateful for the Rotary club to come in and donate the dictionaries to them. “It is something that we look forward to each year. The Rotary club has carried out this tradition for a SCHEME called ‘Home from A process has now been set up number of years and we hope that it Hospital Packs’ has been where the hospital will advise both Rotary will continue for the foreseeable future. launched to provide support to Caterham and Waitrose of a patient being “No doubt we will be involved predominately older people, discharged. in more activities, including sporting beingA discharged from the Caterham Dene The aim will be to fill a special events, with them.” • Hospital in Surrey. shopping bag straightaway and for the The initiative has been developed goods to be given to the person on by a joint working group involving Rotary discharge from the hospital. Caterham, Surrey County Council’s Marnie Cotterill, Social Care Adult Social Care Team in Tandridge and Development Co-ordinator with Tandridge Waitrose Caterham. Social Care Team, said: “We are really The need was identified by the Adult grateful to the Caterham Rotary Club and Social Care Team based at Caterham Dene Waitrose & Partners for supporting Hospital who had observed that a number this idea. of patients often living alone were arriving “It will really benefit those in need at home without having the bare essentials a time when they may feel at their most of items such as milk, tea, bread, breakfast vulnerable and ensure a more comfortable cereal and toothpaste. first 24 hours following their discharge from hospital.”•

the UK. Mac Purcell from Rotary Paddington, pointed out that FOR LIFE the MyLifeMix project is the first incoming Global Grant into the SKILLS London Rotary District. Their international partner is Rotary Carpi OTARY Paddington has become involved in a new project in Italy. which is providing women with the skills to create a better He said: “The idea of the course is to help and assist women future for themselves. who have caring responsibilities to create a better future for RThe first group of participants graduated from the ‘MyLifeMix’ themselves, be it a business, or provide them with the skills and course at the Portobello Business Centre, which is a corporate confidence to improve their circumstances. member of Rotary Paddington. “The first session has just finished. The candidates are The club is working in an arc of deprivation which extends enthusiastic and keen to make the most of the course and I have from North Westminster to North Kensington which includes local received many thank you messages for Rotary providing the council wards which are among the top five most deprived in opportunity for change.”•

40 // Rotary rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org Rotary // 41 SOCIAL MINDFUL ROTARY MEDIA CREATES SOLUTIONS ETWORKING and social media has helped Rotary to support two valuable projects in various parts Nof the world. Jane Walker MBE from the Southampton-based charity, Purple Community Fund, spoke at the District 1060 (Heart of England) conference in Southport about the need for school IX Rotary clubs in Dorset have Six clubs opted in to help the local uniforms in the Philippines, after major joined forces to support a child charity to extend its service. fires had destroyed everything. mental health project in the Volunteering alongside Dorset Coincidentally, David Hartley county. Mind, the team has nearly raised £20,000 from Rotary Maghull and Aughton in SFollowing a rise in child mental health, towards the plans and strategy of the Merseyside heard Jane’s speech which Dorset Mind approached Rotary to seek its organisation. This involved successfully he shared on Facebook. support. acquiring a Rotary Foundation grant. This post was picked up by another Rotary member, Mike Dwyer, All donations raised are benefitting Rotarian, Liz Tonge, who is a trustee explained the charity had recently schools with an experienced Project of the Ugandan-based charity, Pearl of launched a new programme, ‘Dorset Mind Leader. Africa Child Care. Your Head’. Dorset Mind’s Chief Executive, Her husband, Dave, had just It reaches young people aged 11 to Marianne Storey commented, “We’re so been given four boxes of brand new 25 in the local area with mental health grateful to the six local Rotary clubs that uniforms from a supplier, which could problems. have helped fund our Project Manager. not be sold because of the school Keen to support, Mike brought up the “National evidence states that one in changing its emblem. matter at a quarterly meeting to members ten children and young people aged five “Unfortunately, the colours across Bournemouth, Poole and the to 16-years-old are known to live with a weren’t suitable for us to take, so the heritage town of Christchurch. diagnosable mental health condition.” • uniforms were sitting in a garage,” explained Liz, who is a member of Rotary Ormskirk Clocktower in West Lancashire. THE SPOT “To cut a long story short, I saw MARKS the Facebook post, contacted David OU’VE heard of treasure hunts, but to answers which may be related to Hartley, who spoke to Jane and it was Xnow a Rotary e-Club is planning anywhere or anything in the world. decided the uniforms could be used. one with a difference to raise funds But they are looking to develop the “The problem was how to get them Yfor charity. project. The Rotary e-Club of Innovation to Southampton. Again, Facebook came The Rotary e-Club of Innovation was is looking for volunteers to help trial the to the rescue. I put out an appeal, and chartered in 2014 and meets online weekly. treasure hunt in February/March before it is a friend of a friend got in touch to say One of its major challenges has been launched worldwide. he was moving house from Southport to identify sustainable projects to raise The hunt will run for three weeks, to Southampton and could squeeze the funds for The Rotary Foundation and/or giving plenty of time for clue solving. boxes on to the van.” other charities. An optional donation of £5 is The uniforms are now on So now the club have come up with an suggested for each participant. a container ship bound for the original fundraiser – a treasure hunt which With the project carrying little by way Philippines. They will be given to the can be carried out from your own home of overheads, virtually all donations raised children living in the shanty towns using internet search engines and Google will be passed to The Rotary Foundation. there who have nothing as a result • Earth. of the fires which destroyed their Their initial game will include several To register your interest please email: homes.” • puzzles with cryptic clues that lead [email protected]

42 // Rotary rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org Rotary // 43 LENDING A MILES OF SMILES FRIENDLY EAR HE friendship between a doctor and his patient has helped develop a Rotary- inspired project in Uganda. TLuton North Rotary member, Paul Denton, was a patient for nearly 30 years with Dr Paul Choudhury, who a few years ago retired from full-time practice in Bedfordshire. Dr Choudhury, who is also an Honorary Member of the Luton club, chose the moment to set up a project called the Ian Hutcheon Clinic for Children based at the Kisugu Health Centre in Kampala, Uganda. HESE are the happy, smiling grateful to the Rotary clubs that organise They have trained nurses in Kisugu faces of children in Ukraine who teams of members to sort the boxes into to provide free ear care services for were given an extra, special types, and pack them ready for shipment children and running outreach clinics in Christmas thanks to Rotarians at the warehouse. the slum areas of Kampala. Tfrom Great Britain and Ireland. “They come from Rotary Districts With the help of Paul and Rotary Since the Rotary Shoebox Scheme 1180, 1190 and 1285, but more volunteers Luton North, they have now obtained first began, one million boxes have been are always welcomed.” a Global Grant to fund an ambulance sent to underprivileged children in Eastern The Rotary Shoebox Scheme which will provide a mobile clinic which Europe. originally started in 1994, when Rotary has been the focal point of the hearing Just before Christmas, the charity clubs in the north-west started collecting screening programme. delivered 14,362 boxes packed with festive shoeboxes full of gifts for the people in And the partnership has paved the gifts to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. Last the Romanian town of Iasi, situated in the way for a Vocational Training Team of year alone, 49,000 Rotary shoeboxes were north-east of the country. two UK audiologists flying out dispatched to Eastern Europe. Since then, the scheme has become to Uganda to provide a training Rotarian Clive Gardiner reported a national project supported not only programme for screeners, audiologists that in the run-up to Christmas, they had by Rotary clubs, but also by individuals, and nurses. received so many shoeboxes, that they schools, companies, churches, Inner It also allowed them to buy sent out a further 7,000 boxes each to Wheel, Rotaract and Interact. • equipment, including the installation of Chisinau in Moldova and to Iasi in Romania Visual Reinforcement Audiometry. This in January. For more information: is a behavioural test of hearing for small He said: “We also are extremely www.rotaryshoebox.org children. Dr Choudhury said: “The purchase of this equipment now means that we TEE-RIFFIC! are the only clinic in Uganda offering the full pathway of hearing tests for children OLF’S next Open champion could Kilmarnock area and the final event session aged 0-16 years. very well be the product of a of the season featured students from the “We have started a two-year pilot Rotary-backed coaching scheme Grange and Loudoun Academies. Gin Scotland. The series has been run successfully newborn hearing screening programme, and we are screening about 350 babies Rotary Kilmarnock has been for several years. The PGA professional per month in two health centres.” supporting a series of introductory golf for this event was Billie Lockie, formerly a As a result of the Rotary VTT sessions which has been run by the Fields professional with the Kilmarnock Barassie programme, they have employed three in Trust, formerly the National Playing Golf Club, who provided an interesting mix more staff, and the hearing project will Fields Association, and also supported by of fun and challenging tasks for the pupils, help 700 children each year. • East Ayrshire Education Authority. hopefully leading to a long term interest in The coaching is aimed at young the game. • secondary school pupils from the

44 // Rotary rotarygbi.org SAFER ROADS SOARING ACHIEVEMENT OTARY Elland has been honoured at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Recognition Awards 2018 where they Rreceived the award for West Yorkshire Community Group of the Year 2018. Accepting the award in behalf of the club members, President Chris Blakey said the club was humbled and honoured to receive it. Over the last three years the club has raised an estimated £16,000 towards keeping the air ambulance flying. HE Garda Commissioner Tullamore are supporting the ‘Be Safe, Be This has come through a range of in Ireland has launched a Seen’ initiative. events from Santa's Sleigh collections at campaign, in conjunction with Speaking at the launch, Mr Harris the supermarkets to the air ambulance Rotary, to reduce the number of described the campaign as a very welcome landing at the Elland Community Fair. Tdeaths on the roads this winter. initiative. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance Drew Harris visited Kilbeggan in He said: “We all have a role to play in Charity relies on the generosity of County Westmeath where the Rotary road safety. This is a collective responsibility individuals and organisations to help Club of Tullamore & District is working and we must continue to work together to save lives across the vast county. with emergency services to distribute reduce road deaths and serious injury. As a charity, it only receives help 40,000 high-visibility vests and stickers to “We will play our role through through the secondment of paramedics primary school children in Laois, Offaly and enforcement, education and supporting from the NHS, through the Yorkshire Westmeath. road safety projects such as ‘Be Safe, Ambulance Service NHS Trust. The police chief has lent his support to Be Seen’. To keep both of Yorkshire’s air the initiative following reports that 35% of “Individuals and communities can also ambulances in the air it needs to raise all childhood deaths in Ireland are because make a major difference to road safety, and £12,000 per day. This is equivalent to of road traffic accidents. Half of these that’s why today’s initiative is so important. £4.4 million per year. juvenile deaths are pedestrians. And over “This community-led initiative will As a rapid response air emergency 60% of injured children are injured on the enhance road safety in the midlands, service, the charity serves a population road, either walking or cycling. particularly among children, and I want to of approximately five million people Trauma and orthopaedic surgeons congratulate everyone involved.” • across four million acres. from the Midland Regional Hospital in Their two air ambulances operate from The Nostell Priory Estate near Wakefield and RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk, DIZZY and together both aircraft cover the DANCING whole of the region. • HO would have thought it with Chanakya Rotary, Patna, acting as the possible to Bollywood dance to host club for a Foundation Global Grant a country music band playing application. W‘Coming Round the Mountain’? With fundraising taking place in However, in pursuit of funds for its earnest, a letter has been written to GET IN TOUCH... school project in India, that is exactly how the educational authorities asking their Got a story for us? Send it in Milton Keynes Rotary Satellite ended its East permission to refurbish the school, (with a good quality picture) to [email protected] Meets West evening fundraiser. improve sanitation and install classroom The fundraising is refurbishing and furniture. equipping a school in Patna in north-east Fifteen computers will be securely Look for us online at rotarygbi.org or follow us India.Jill Moss, chair of the club, explained housed at a nearby private school for the on Facebook: /RotaryinGBI Twitter: @RotaryGBI YouTube: Rotary International in Great Britain that the project was initially suggested by sole use of Jinpura students, along with & Ireland two members who had returned from a visit an IT teacher employed to run a basic to their homeland. computer literacy course, who will also READ MORE PEOPLE OF ACTION That was the spark to set up a project, train staff from Jinpura.• STORIES AT: rotarygbi.org/news rotarygbi.org Rotary // 45 GLOBAL IMPACT Special feature

ROTARY ANNUAL SHOWCASE & CONFERENCE NOTTINGHAM 2019

Join Rotary GBI President Debbie Hodge and a host of speakers at the 94th annual Rotary Showcase & Conference in Nottingham on 10-12 May 2019. The opportunities are endless, so join Rotary for a weekend of education, motivation, entertainment and making memories.

Not booked for Conference yet? Here's what visitors thought of last year's event.

"I enjoyed immensely every "The outstanding part was "Best conference I have aspect of the conference, well that this year’s conference attended. Superb speakers organised, excellent speakers and could go down as 'The Friendly and presentations" very informative." Conference'. Best one yet!"

For more information visit: rotarygbi.org

46 // Rotary rotarygbi.org GLOBAL IMPACT Special feature

rotarygbi.org Rotary // 47 48 // Rotary rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org Rotary // 49 Editor's letter

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

Pushing the boundaries

RITICISM is something few Should we be ignoring the The polio campaign has given Rotary take kindly to. As an editor, I’ve thorny subjects of law and order and an identity, but it is not our raison d'être. always welcomed feedback – homelessness, and instead focus on Yes, Rotary International has to finish positive or negative – because, traditional areas of Rotary work – polio, the job, now and in the years following, quite frankly, it shows someone responding to humanitarian disasters and since polio will always be on our watch. Chas read your publication by taking the engaging with community projects, both So we have to look beyond polio. trouble to write. at home and abroad? We should not be frightened to tackle And if you really want to engage with To my mind the answer is definitely other equally important, trickier and non- your audience, shouldn’t you be listening? no. We should be doing both. Rotary has traditional issues which lie closer to home. So the letter published in this issue to push the boundaries. Rotary has to That’s what will drive membership. If (page 24) from Colchester Rotarian, Tony reach out to those uncomfortable corners you don't believe me, ask someone under Willson, throws up thought-provoking of our communities if we are to remain 40 what issues matter to them. Seriously! issues about where Rotary’s priorities lie. relevant. Moreso than ever. In this month’s Rotary we examine Tony describes October’s issue of In a speech given at the Rotary cyber bullying. In April we will deal Rotary as “not happy reading”. Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon just with modern slavery, June’s issue of the This was the issue where I reported before Christmas, Rotary International magazine looks at cleaning our beaches on a Rotary project working with offenders President, Barry Rassin, highlighted the of plastics, then in August we assess the at HM Prison Parc in Bridgend, addressed loss of 300,000 members worldwide over moral maze of organ donation through the domestic violence from the perspective of the last two years - though, in fairness, eyes of a 10-year-old. a Swindon Rotarian, who is also the High Rotary has balanced that with an equal They’re not fluffy, they’re not sexy, but Sheriff of Wiltshire, and looked at the gain in members in that time. these are all gritty issues which should sit Rotary-based Shelter Bus project for the Barry lamented the lack of women in high on our modern agenda. homeless in Birmingham. the organisation, and focussed on a need to If Rotary is to remain relevant, if “While I accept all three subjects are recruit younger professionals by bridging Rotary is to rally to Barry Rassin’s call to important,” writes Tony, “I personally do the gap between Rotaract and Rotary. attract more people to our organisation, not think that it is Rotary’s remit to tackle Wise words, indeed, but what is dynamic individuals who want to get them as they are massive problems in Rotary offering to attract these young involved with projects, and who care about themselves.” professionals? their communities, then we should not be It is an interesting point, I would be Yes, there is the End Polio Now afraid to re-sharpen our focus. l interested in your take on this too. Please campaign but, while it has been extremely write in. The obvious question is: what successful, it has not exactly been a fruitful issues should be within Rotary’s remit? membership driver over the past 30 years. To join Rotary visit: rotarygbi.org

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.

50 // Rotary rotarygbi.org