INSIDE THIS ISSUE Rotary Conference 6 Young Citizen Awards 26 Aquabox 30 Tackling Modern Slavery 36

rotarygbi.org The Official Magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland June/July 2018

4 GOLDEN GIRL The Rotarian who is a rising star of netball ©Team Bath Netball©Team - netball.teambath.com 6 12

6 36 18 CONTENTS ROTARY IN ACTION REGULARS GLOBAL IMPACT Eboni Beckford-Chambers 4 Rotary in Great Britain World Polio Day 12 Rotary Conference: & Ireland President 14 Aquabox 30 Princess Royal 6 Letters to the Editor 16 Rotary Conference: Talk from the Top RI President Ian Riseley 8 Rotary International President 21 Rotary Conference: The Rotary Foundation Chris Tarrant 10 Trustee Chair 31 Melrose Sevens 18 It's Gone Viral 34 A Lifeline from Rotary 20 RI Director 37 Making Business Connections 22 People of Action 38 Silver Sunday 24 And Finally… 50 Inspirational Citizens 26 Rotary Ride 28 Rotary2 32 Tackling Modern Slavery 36

Silver Sunday 24

w Get in touch Follo us Enjoy Rotary anywhere Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland Kinwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6PB t: 01789 765 411 rotarygbi.org Editor: Dave King e: [email protected] Look for us online at PR Officer:e: [email protected] rotarygbi.org or follow us: Designer: Martin Tandy e: [email protected] Facebook: /RotaryinGBI The Official Magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland Advertising: Media Shed (Agent for Rotary) Twitter: @RotaryGBI Contact: Dawn Tucker, Sales Manager YouTube: Rotary International t: 020 3475 6815 e: [email protected] in Great Britain & Ireland Published by Contently Limited: contentlylondon.co.uk

rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 3 Golden Eboni lights up the Gold Coast

She won gold at the Commonwealth Games, is one of England’s brightest netball talents, juggles her sport with life as a trainee solicitor – and is also a Rotarian. Dave King meets the enigmatic Eboni Beckford- Chambers. ©Team Bath Netball©Team - netball.teambath.com 4 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org ROTARY IN ACTION Eboni Beckford-Chambers

ITH a lightning “Our hope is not only to inspire young training and holding down a full-time job, smile and easy- girls, women, and even men to play netball, Eboni this year became a Rotarian. Both going manner, the but that it will have a lasting impact across of her parents are Rotarians – her mother, charismatic and the country. Pauline, in the Cayman Islands, and her articulate netball star, “Women’s sport is getting more father, Basil, in Birmingham. EboniW Beckford-Chambers, has been in recognition. In netball, we’re performing at She explained how, through the big demand this summer. our best on the world stage and we do this influence of her parents, Rotary has been Ever since the England Roses pulled on considerably less funding than other a part of her life for some time. Now a off two astonishing last-ditch wins over sports. member of the Rotary Club of Bath, she Jamaica and then defeated arch-rivals "We hope this achievement will see was involved in their Christmas street Australia in the final by a solitary goal to more investment into women’s sports and collection last December. win gold at the Commonwealth Games, netball, in particular.” “How do I find the time? That’s a Eboni and her team-mates have fast Unlike many of her England team- question I ask myself every single day,” become the darlings of British sport. mates, who are contracted full-time and added Eboni. “I think that it is easy to “It has been fantastic to see how much train at Loughborough University, Eboni is make excuses, you have to prioritise what is buzz there has been about netball, and training as a solicitor with Mogers Drewett important. how people got behind the England Roses LLP based in Bath. She specialises in "What is helpful is that the Bath club at the Commonwealth Games,” reflected dispute resolution and will qualify meets at lunchtime, which has worked Eboni. in January. out well. “It has been intense. So many people She gets up at 6am for a training “I have had such a warm welcome have been interested to find out about the session at the University of Bath, is in work there. I am the only woman member and journey, and the experience, and to share for a full day from 8.30am, and is then back youngest, but they have embraced both me it with us.” at the university in the evening for bouts of and the diversity. Eboni didn’t get to bed until 6am physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, “During the Commonwealth Games, after celebrating the netball gold with as well as technical sessions. I had a flurry of emails from the club team-mates, their friends and families. She It means a punishing daily routine congratulating me, saying how impressed even slept with her medal that first night! of training, playing and travelling for the they were and explaining they were getting Gold on the Australian Gold Coast 30-year-old, whose sporting sights are up at 4am to watch the games on TV. this April, made up for missing out on a now set on the World Cup in Liverpool in a “They have been very welcoming and medal at the last Commonwealths in year’s time. embracing all that I bring to Rotary. “It has been absolutely fantastic to “My parents have been Rotarians for a find an employer who, not only supports number of years so I have seen how much my legal ambitions, but who has a full they have enjoyed being part of Rotary. understanding of what my sporting “There is an opportunity to network, prowess is and aims to support my but also it is also about making a difference, ambitions,” added Eboni, who plays and giving back, which is very important. Glasgow four years ago, for Team Bath in the Vitality Netball "I think in terms of the charitable and followed a bronze won at Superleague. nature of Rotary, this is something which I Delhi in 2010. Incredibly, despite the intense feel I am able to contribute.”l Since starring in the nail-biting final Down Under, Eboni has been on a whirlwind tour, meeting the Earl of Wessex, appearing on Good Morning Britain and on BBC Radio 5 Live, as well as fitting in a host of media interviews. Following Great Britain’s Olympic gold in the hockey in Rio, women’s sport is in “My parents have been Rotarians for a number of good shape in the UK. England’s cricketers won the World Cup last summer, the rugby years so I have seen how much they have enjoyed team reached the World Cup final, and the being part of Rotary.” footballers are ranked number two globally. “I have been touring the country to mark an historic achievement and with the result it has been wonderful that netball has received recognition to put the sport on the map,” added Eboni, who has been playing the sport since the age of seven, receiving her first England call up aged 15. rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 5 ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary Conference 2018

Princess Royal: Rotary is for communities everywhere

HE Princess Royal has paid tribute to Rotarians for the work they do in communities across the globe. TPrincess Anne, who is an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Elgin, in Scotland, spent more than two hours visiting the Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland annual conference in Torquay on April 7th. Besides giving a speech to delegates at the Riviera International Centre, she spent considerable time touring both the Rotary Showcase and exhibition area chatting to Rotarians and charity representatives. “This is an organisation I have grown up with, meeting and seeing Rotarians almost wherever I have been all over the world. And they have always been busy,” she told delegates in a 15-minute speech to the conference. “They have been busy supporting

others to run fund-raising events and Croan©Peter activities, as well as their own things – but The Princess Royal meets Young Citizens Award winners at the Rotary Conference in Torquay they have always been busy, and you are still very busy.” Her Royal Highness used the speech to turn the spotlight on a number of charitable She praised the structure and discipline Praising the initiative of Rotary in projects, including The Chaffinch Trust. of Rotary International which has meant tackling dementia, its work around peace Based in Elgin, the Trust encourages that the world is now so close to eradicating and the peace scholars, and also with charities, organisations and individuals to polio. promoting the Duke of Edinburgh Award, collaborate and work together to improve “What Save the Children recognised, particularly among young carers, the conditions for those living in disadvantaged and has been hugely grateful for, is the way Princess underlined the work which the areas. in which Rotary picked up the challenge of organisation does at grass roots level. “The Chaffinch Trust was set up by a stopping polio,” she added. “Rotary is for communities friend of mine,” she explained. “Rotary understood the way it could everywhere,” she said. “Rotary understands “The Trust understands and is keen make a real difference and how well the communities in which it lives and it is to support a joined-up approach between prepared it is as an organisation to apply involved, of course, in many projects. charities, to make much more effective and that discipline to deliver the polio vaccine “I see and I know what a difference efficient use of all the knowledge and funds over a much wider global reach. Rotarians make in Great Britain and that are available in so many different ways “The fact it has worked so incredibly Ireland, and also overseas. in this country, and across the world.” well is a huge credit to every individual “And with more than 1,700 Rotary Princess Anne, who is the Patron of member of Rotary, and the way you clubs here, supporting a wide range of Save the Children, highlighted some of the function as a global organisation.” projects, backed by fund-raising and for work this charity had conducted in the early Princess Anne cautioned that even your hands-on service, it is little wonder 1980s through the Stop Polio initiative, a though the end is in sight towards that Rotary members are busy. mantle which was later picked up by Rotary eliminating polio, the world had to remain “We don’t very often get an opportunity International through the End Polio Now strong and resilient with a commitment to say thank you to groups like Rotary – but campaign. This was a classic case of joined- towards immunisation once the disease has thank you, and congratulations.” up thinking, she said. been eradicated.

6 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary Conference 2018

Rotary President: Credibility is vital to us

UST a couple of weeks after the ball- tampering scandal in South Africa, it was the one subject which the cricket-loving Rotary International JPresident, Ian Riseley, was not going to ignore. The audience at the Rotary conference in Torquay knew it, Ian Riseley knew it, and after insisting how wonderful it was to be back in the land of his ancestors, this proud Aussie addressed what he described as “the elephant in the room”. “Cricket is a wonderful sport,” he enthused. “It is one of those sports where a high standard of ethics is expected, hence the expression ‘it’s just not cricket’. The spirit of the sport is more important than the result itself. “And you know what? I think the Rotary four-way test could be an extremely useful guide to the way in which some Croan©Peter people, including my own country’s team, Rotary President Ian Riseley (second left) planting a tree for Earth Day in Torquay should play the game.” The spirit of ethics was crucial to everything Rotarians do, added Ian who much they contribute to charities, and how look at a different approach to the way we drew on a previous RI presidential mantra many hours are put in by Rotarians for have been working, which may work better. of ‘consistency, credibility and continuity’ by charitable activities. “Let’s face it, the average age of our insisting that it was credibility which makes “Both of these are important since membership is a challenge in many parts of Rotary so different. some clubs have a bottomless pit of money the world, including here in Great Britain “Credibility is vital to us,” he said. “If it by being wonderful fund-raisers and able to and Ireland, and I congratulate Denis on is not for the way we do things, if it is not write cheques, which is great,” he explained. seeking to try different things. for our ethical stance, then we might as well “But some clubs do their best work “Change is a constant in the world, I be a social club.” personally, hands-on, and that, in the name think we all know that, it is also a necessary In his address to delegates on the of Rotary, is just as important as funding constant in Rotary. We should not be afraid opening day of the conference, Ian saluted things.” of change, we should embrace change, and the work of Rotarians in surpassing the The RI President also took time out I think that is something Denis is doing target of planting 1.2 million trees around to praise Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland very well.” the world this year as part of his presidential President, Denis Spiller, for the Rotary2 challenge. initiative which is looking to develop more And he praised the work he had seen than 200 new clubs this year. Watch extended video highlights being performed by clubs all around the “Denis has been very creative in his role from #RotaryConf2018 by world. It was why he was asking every club, and, frankly, we have to realise we have to searching ‘Rotary Great Britain through their districts, to disclose how try different things,” he said. “We have to and Ireland’ on YouTube

8 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary Conference 2018

DAVE KING Chris Tarrant: I thought I was going to die from a stroke

LYING in the middle of the ones,” added Chris, who was put through six For 71-year-old Chris, he acknowledges night on a plane from Bangkok, months of gruelling physio. the cause of his stroke was excess living. For bound for Heathrow, Chris “My speech was impaired, with one years he had lived hard, drinking too much Tarrant thought he was going side of my face badly down. and working too many hours. to die. "Obviously my speech is a relevant part He added: “It was a wake-up call and I FHeading back to London on the of how I earn my living and pay for my kids, have changed my life a bit. 14-hour flight after three weeks filming so I went through all sorts of facial, muscle "My missus is very tough on food. I in South America and Asia, the TV star work and speech therapy. don’t drink whisky, I do a bit of exercise and realised what he had initially thought was although I work, I don’t work anywhere cramp was turning into a fully flung stroke. near as hard as I used to. “I really did think, am I going to die on “I am one of the lucky ones, which a plane?” revealed Chris. “I am one of the lucky ones, is how I got involved with the Stroke “It sounds daft and a very British thing, Association. Of anybody, I can say take it but I didn’t want to ask for help. It was the which is how I got involved easy, these are the things to look out for, middle of the night, everyone around me with the Stroke Association.” don’t put yourself through the excessive was asleep, the stewardesses on the plane lifestyle I did.” didn’t speak much English at all. Chris, who has also become a polio “And I thought even if I asked for help, “This strange woman used to arrive at ambassador for Rotary, has just completed and they went to the extreme measure of the house and beat me up. She carried one filming another series of “Extreme Railways putting the plane down, just think from of these bags with ‘pain equals pleasure’. She of the World” for Channel 5, which included Bangkok to London where would you want was amazing, really stretching my muscles visiting Auschwitz and Dachau for a feature to be put down? Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran?” and she gave me savage physio.” on the trains which took Jews to their As Chris tried to leave the plane once It’s as a result of that harrowing deaths in the Nazi concentration camps. it had landed in London, he collapsed. He’d experience that Chris now does a lot of Ironically, the programme which made lost complete use of his right leg and arm, work with the Stroke Association, which in Chris a household name, “Who Wants to Be and was rushed to Charing Cross Hospital April worked with scores of Rotary clubs in a Millionaire” returned in May on its 20th where he stayed for the next three weeks. Great Britain and Ireland as part of ‘Know anniversary, with Jeremy Clarkson in the Chris has told the tale many times Your Blood Pressure Day’. chair he once occupied. since the incident in 2014, but during Members of the public were able to “I did Millionaire for 15 years and 650 a quiet chat at the Rotary conference in have their blood pressure checked free of shows, what do you want, blood?” joked Torquay, it has clearly made its mark. charge in a bid to raise awareness of the link Chris, when asked why he was not reprising “I remember lying in hospital on the between high blood pressure and strokes. the role. first night,” he recalled. “I was exhausted It is estimated in the UK that 5.5 “Clarkson is going to do it for a week and pretty scared that if I went to sleep I million people are undiagnosed with high and good luck him. But I no more want to wouldn’t wake up.” blood pressure, something which Rotary do Millionaire again, than I want to go back Fortunately, there was no lasting clubs and the Stroke Association are trying and do Tiswas!” l damage. “I am one of the incredibly lucky to reduce.

10 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org ©Peter Croan©Peter

“It sounds daft and a very British thing, but I didn’t want to ask for help. It was the middle of the night, everyone around me was asleep, the stewardesses on the plane didn’t speak much English at all.”

rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 11 GLOBAL IMPACT World Polio Day

Blooming marvellous!

T’S not too many months away from with crocus corm planting. media releases are available to help World Polio Day on October 24th, How about seeing if you can raise the take full advantage of these important and orders are being taken now for profile for planting on World Polio Day opportunities. September delivery of purple crocus by arranging a cup of tea and a purple We hope these winning photographs Icorms for planting around then. cupcake after the planting, followed by from the 2016/17 photographic This year, organisers are asking Rotary the switch on by one of your sporting competitions will inspire clubs to bathe clubs to involve the sporting side of their celebrities, the town mayor or local MP of the whole of Great Britain and Ireland community, such as sports teams, local purple lighting on key buildings in your in purple! sporting celebrities, sports venues. community at dusk? Corm prices are fixed at £100 per This is in addition to groups the clubs The Rotary polio story is an excellent 5,000 corms, or £30 per 1,000 by June are already working with, including local hook for engaging with local communities 30th, so get your orders in early to ensure parks and gardens, Royal Horticultural and local media, as well as your own club you get them at this price. You can always Society groups, local NHS Trusts, schools activities locally and internationally. place further orders before the July 31st and youth groups. The purple crocus corms provide deadline. l One of the main Rotary events multiple opportunities for raising for World Polio Day will be at Stoke awareness and funds both at planting time Mandeville Hospital, which will involve and then with the blooming. To order your corms, visit: disabled sporting personalities helping Suggested signage templates and rotarygbi.org

“The Rotary polio story is an excellent hook for engaging with local communities and local media, as well as your own club activities locally and internationally.”

2nd Place: Coupar Angus Pride of Place Group

1st Place: 3rd Place: Rotary Club of Lunesdale Rotary Club of Bradford-on-Avon

rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary GBI President

Moving Rotary towards a brighter future

T’S Spring, so it must be Rotary Her recognition and thanks for made; from a simple alternative meeting in Great Britain and Ireland the work of Rotarians in Great Britain night, to committee structures and satellite Conference time, and this year it and Ireland was genuine and gratefully club sponsorship. came to Torquay. received. Thank you Chairman, Jeremy Following the ABM, you shall see IThe weather was kind, the speakers Voizey, and team for a great event. proposals for changes to the Rotary fantastic and the entertainment superb. Thirty-five minutes late by Royal in Great Britain and Ireland Presidency, The Riviera Centre is compact and consent, the Annual Business Meeting General Council and the Executive, but we filled it both up and down with a (ABM) finished just 10 minutes later than remember these have no direct impact at wonderful showcase. scheduled, which must be a first. I was club level. It was our honour to welcome Her pleased to present a new path for RIBI, Rotary2 was launched 15 months Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, for which received significant approval by the ago with a target of 250 new flexible club over three hours and she did us proud, membership. opportunities. By June 30th, we shall have meeting around 100 individuals and Rotary International President, Ian reached this goal and thank you everyone speaking for 20 minutes. Riseley, was present and supports our plan for making it happen. to create a Rotary fit for the 21st century, Every District will have Rotary2 clubs which will be a model for the world. and I encourage you all to visit them. The meeting again employed online President Ian’s tree planting challenge voting, and we retained full attendance has sparked your imaginations and it looks through to the end. like we shall easily exceed his target too. Rotary in Great Britain and The Rodney Huggins Environmental Ireland has this year seen change Trophy will be presented for a tree and development as never before, planting project and I want to thank and I thank every district and Rodney for this great initiative. Thank you club for getting behind the plan. Terry Knowles for a marvellous job of co- I know that change is not easy ordinating the whole programme. for all, not through lack of Finally, a few words about the Rotary recognition of the need, or the Purple4Polio Grand Tour. Thank you to will, but the process must be everyone who got involved and put in the planned and importantly it thousands of miles to promote and raise must involve all members. money for our polio eradication campaign Clubs will know when right across the country. the time is Cars and vehicles in all shapes and right and sizes, from a 1930s classic to a converted the changes dump truck, were adorned with bright that are to be purple stickers across their doors, boots and bonnets. ©Peter Croan©Peter Another Rotary year is almost done. Rotary has certainly made a difference. As we enter the new Rotary year, we are now ready to Be The Inspiration to move Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland to a bright future. l

Rotary GBI President, Denis Spiller, relaxes at the Torquay Conference

14 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

Letters to the Editor

undertaken is in India and is hoping to achieve a Global Grant. Time to beat the Aussies! A GB & I team has been to each of On-line reader the nine World Festivals which have taken WHAT an improvement on the too-shiny THE International Fellowship of Cricket place in the New Forest, England, where it magazine that probably did not even make Loving Rotarians (IFCR) is one of the all started in 1997. it to surgery waiting rooms. largest and most successful international For next January’s World Festival of Perhaps there is one more change Rotary Fellowships. Cricket in Melbourne, which runs from that could help the screen reader. Namely, On May 25th, 1993 the formal January 20th to 25th, any Rotarian, their either change the aspect ratio to landscape launching of IFCR took place in the Long family, friends and potential Rotarians are or, as is almost the case with the article Room of the Melbourne Cricket Club invited to take part. about Maidenhead Bridge in the April courtesy of the Australian Cricket Board. There is a reasonable balance between issue of the magazine, insert white space It has its 25th anniversary in 2018 cricket and other holiday activities to mid page. and also celebrates the 10th World Cricket attract the cricketer, their partner and That means, by setting the PDF Festival in Melbourne in January 2019. family. The first night dinner is at the view to 'Fit Width' you can first read the The name was deliberately chosen hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground! top 'frame' of text and graphics without to ensure that the organisation welcomes As you might expect of Rotarians, scrolling before paging down to the lower Rotarians and family with an interest in most of the players are past their prime, so frame. the game, even though they are not active to ensure that players of varying ages and I am putting the point view of a players. This Fellowship is attractive to ability are offered a decent opportunity to landscape-screen user, but a tablet-screen potential Rotarians. participate, normal rules are amended to user could work in the same way, or view Through frequent tours to and suit. Nevertheless, competitive instincts whole pages and rotate the tablet. by other countries, strong friendships remain strong and provide an opportunity But well done anyway. have developed. British Rotarians took for the Poms to enjoy beating the Aussies. opportunities to see Rotary in action To find out more information about Colin Wells in other parts of the world, to develop the festival or becoming a member please Rotary Club of High Wycombe personal connections and co-operate contact me at keithhopkins@hotmail. with overseas Rotarians in implementing co.uk, phone 07715 052718. To find out Editor’s note: The format of the magazine worthwhile projects. more go to: has been well received online, as well as IFCR GB&I has donated well over www.gbrotarycricket.co.uk in print. However, we are aware that the £15,000 for the various international magazine is not yet mobile responsive. projects they have visited and seen first- Keith Hopkins Once the new-look Rotary in Great Britain hand including giving out Polio vaccine. Rotary Club of Kirriemuir and Ireland website launches later this The most recent project to be summer, these issues will be resolved.

Caravan fellowship HIGHLY rewarding, yet not too well- known aspect of the world of Rotary is the existence of Rotary Fellowships which, operating outside of the normal pyramidal structures of clubs and districts, bring together Rotarians with specific interests. One of the oldest and most successful of these Fellowships is the International Caravanning Fellowship of Rotarians (ICFR) which was formed 50 years ago in the UK. ICFR continues to serve Rotarians from all over the British Isles who have caravans and motorhomes. It enables

16 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org October 13th until Saturday October 20th, 2018. Rotarians of Lebanese origin, Rotarians friends of Lebanon, friends and families are all welcome to participate in an enchanting experience where visitors will have the opportunity to:

• Discover and experience Lebanon by immersing themselves in its rich cultural and religious heritage, mingling with the Lebanese and exploring various regions; members to visit beautiful parts of the the activities and advantages of ICFR and world and interesting events in the we are endeavouring to make this available • Benefit from professional networking company of fellow Rotarians. in Rotary clubs as well as in caravan sites contacts with fellow Rotarians, visit We meet old friends and make many and dealerships. projects completed in Lebanon, meet new friends, all in the most relaxed of Anyone wishing to know more local twin clubs and other clubs; circumstances. ICFR encourages us to should visit our website: www. • Foster friendships by strengthening the get out and about, to make the most of rotarianscaravanning.org.uk where it is bond between local Rotarians and the our caravans and motorhomes and to visit also possible to download copies of our Rotary community at large. great places we might otherwise never see. magazine. In short, we get Rotary fun and fellowship Come and join us. The £10 annual There have been invaluable exchanges - on wheels! subscription could be the best £10 you between Rotarians, their clubs, and Our annual programme usually ever spend! countries to date and we look forward to includes 25 or more local rallies and three further building on the success of 2010 or four continental rallies. Every few Geoff Bell and 2015 and taking it to new heights. years we have an intercontinental fly/hire President - ICFR United by the love of Lebanon, what rally: past destinations have included New Rotary Club of Medway better time and setting for Rotarians and Zealand, South Africa and North America. [email protected] friends to meet and share old experiences Despite our long and active history, or create new ones! we regularly come across Rotarian For registration and information caravanners who are unaware of the updates, kindly visit www. Fellowship’s existence so, as we move into Together in Lebanon togetherinlebanon.org and please let us our 51st year, we are making a determined FELLOW Rotarians and friends, know if any additional information is effort to redress this lack of awareness. Pursuant to their mission of required. We have been circulating “News & fostering friendship and strengthening Looking forward to receiving you in Views”, our twice-yearly magazine, much cross cultural understanding, and after Lebanon we remain. more widely and copies have already the great successes of the international been sent to District Governors, District gatherings previously held in 2010 and May Monla Chmaytelly Governors-Elect and District Secretaries 2015, Rotarians of Lebanon are pleased to Chairperson of the Committee in all the Rotary in Great Britain and announce the 3rd “Together in Lebanon”, “Together in Lebanon 2018” Ireland districts. a week long programme of tours and We have also produced a new “Just festivities scheduled from Saturday Give Me Two Ticks” leaflet to summarise

Get in touch 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: 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 and Ireland and Rotarians. rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 17 ROTARY IN ACTION Melrose Rugby Sevens

Seven-up for Rotary at Melrose

HE Melrose Rugby Sevens is Peter Croan, Public Image Chair for one of the most historic sporting Southern Scotland. events in the UK, dating back “A rugby team works together to “The good news was that the sun to 1883. tackle the challenges and reach shone and we were bathed for most of TAnd this April, Rotary in Great the day in glorious sun and had a good its goals, as does Rotary in Britain and Ireland sponsored the number in the ground.” weekend tournament in the tiny Scottish our communities at home and The partnership with the Melrose Borders town, which this year attracted abroad, but typically in less Sevens kicked off three years ago, and 12,000 fans. this year The Rotary Foundation was the Among those on the touchline was muddy conditions!” tournament’s designated charity. former Scottish rugby star, Doddie Weir, Earlier in April, Rotary was the who is raising money for Motor Neurone principal sponsor of the inaugural Disease, through his foundation My Rotary Melrose University Sevens at Name’5 Doddie. were attending a Rotary event,” he said. The Greenyards ground. He said: “It’s very special being here With worldwide TV coverage, Denis Spiller, added: “It’s great to be because this is where rugby sevens was pitch-side advertising boards and Rotary part of the team for this year’s Melrose invented, so this was an exciting day logos emblazoned on the back of the Sevens and beyond. This partnership for all.” match officials’ shirts, this was a high makes perfect sense. Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland profile showcase for the organisation. “A rugby team works together to President, Denis Spiller, attended the “The logistics beforehand were a bit tackle the challenges and reach its goals, as tournament. “With the avenue of Rotary demanding with the weather and access does Rotary in our communities at home flags lining the walkway to the hospitality to the ground limited due to heavy rain and abroad, but typically in less muddy tents, people would have thought they that had hit us on the lead up,” said conditions!” l

A touch judge wearing Rotary-branded kit at the Melrose Sevens

18 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION A lifeline from Rotary

ROTARY

R R R

Y Y O O R R R T T T T A A

Rotary was a lifeline when my husband passed away

Ten years ago, Rosemary Simpson’s life changed when her Rotarian husband Douglas died. Today, she is the second female president of the Rotary Club of Belfast in its 107th year. Here is her story.

for many years and had great personal of friends around the same age as me, fulfilment from the friends and business from all walks of life who all had similar contacts he made as well as the difference views and values as me, and a sense of he was making in the world. My father- purpose to my week and allowed me to in-law was also heavily involved in the help ‘do good’ in the world. organisation. I became so involved in the club and I had always attended Rotary loved my time with them so much that functions alongside Douglas and enjoyed I became club secretary. This allowed the social scene very much, but never gave me to use my skills and actively make any thought to joining myself. a difference within the club that my All that changed after Douglas’s husband had loved so much. death, the president of the Rotary Club of Rotary is a fantastic way of meeting Belfast approached me to become editor people – I appreciated the opportunity Rosemary Simpson of the club magazine. This I did eagerly, to meet and make new friends which was as I had experience through Inner Wheel especially helpful not only after losing HEN my husband being editor of its worldwide publication. Douglas, but also in the business world Douglas passed away, And everyone in the club was so which I was very new to. Rotary changed I was left shocked and welcoming that I decided to give it a go. so much for me and really was a lifeline somewhat unprepared Having a role gave me a purpose at the most difficult time of my life. I in how to deal with to my Rotary membership. I found it have made lifelong friends and socialise ourW family business. As a former nurse fulfilling and rewarding and I began to regularly. with no business training, I felt the whole attend regular meetings with a renewed Ten years ago, if you had have told prospect somewhat overwhelming. vigour. Joining Rotary meant that I had me I would be the president of the Rotary My husband had been a Rotarian something to look forward to, a network Club of Belfast, I wouldn’t have believed

20 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org ROTARY PRESIDENT IAN RISELEY Talk from the Top OR 60 years, choosing a theme has been the privilege, and sometimes the Fchallenge, of each incoming president. Looking back on those past themes opens a small window into the thinking and the vision of each leader – how they saw Rotary, the place they saw for Rotary in the world, and what they hoped Rotary would achieve. When my turn came to choose “I had always attended Rotary functions alongside a theme, I did not hesitate. I knew Douglas and enjoyed the social scene very much, immediately that our theme in 2017-18 would be Rotary: Making a Difference. For but never gave any thought to joining myself.” me, that small phrase describes not only what we do now, but what we aspire to do. We want to make a difference. We strive to help, to have an impact, to make the world a bit better. Over the past two years, I have seen so many ways that Rotary is doing just that. In Guatemala, I saw the difference that simple wood stoves are making in the lives you, but now that I am here it has been a through our “YouthAction” project, whilst of women who had been cooking on open most wonderful experience. remembering people worldwide through fires: they no longer breathe smoke when I have been involved in so many our ShelterBox scheme - giving people in they cook, they spend less time gathering wonderful projects, notably in the disaster areas hope and aid. firewood, and they are using their stoves to One Last Push campaign which is What could be a more satisfying and start small businesses. the eradication of polio which Rotary worthwhile way to reach out and give In Israel, I visited a Rotary-supported International has been heavily involved in ‘Service Above Self’? hyperbaric centre that is helping brain for many years. As an organisation, we are injury and stroke patients return to healthy, I had a very good friend who lived looking for men and women of all ages productive lives. with polio all of his life and he was such a and backgrounds to join us either as In communities around the world, great inspiration to me, to be involved in volunteers, members or both. Rotarians are Making a Difference by a campaign where we actively administer You can use your time, talents, resettling refugees, immunising children, vaccines to children in deprived countries professional skills and energy to ensuring a safe blood supply, and helping against this harrowing disease is truly improve the lives of people in our local young people learn and thrive. humbling and very rewarding. communities and around the world. I All over the world, Rotary is continuing Our club is also involved in The belong to the Rotary Club of Belfast but its advocacy, fundraising, and support for Silver Line project which is headed up by there are many clubs across Great Britain polio eradication. Esther Rantzen CBE and aims to tackle and Ireland, like ourselves, ready to Last year, wild poliovirus caused only loneliness in the older generation. This welcome new members with open arms. 22 cases of paralysis in only two countries. project is very close to my heart. By joining Rotary, I had not I am confident that soon that number As a caring individual I have only helped myself at a very dark and will be zero, and we will begin a new phase appreciated the opportunities Rotary lonely time in my life, but I also felt in the timeline of eradication: counting has given to me to help others, both that I was able to help others. I would down at least three years from the last sign young and old, through our involvement wholeheartedly recommend to anyone of of wild virus to the certification of a polio- in eradicating polio, in giving young any age to join this fantastic organisation free world. people encouragement and support, by which is making such a positive difference As Juliet and I return home to sending students bi-annually to Chicago to the world. l Australia, we will bring warm memories of in our ‘Towards A Better Understanding’ the places we have visited, the friends we scheme. have made, and the service we have seen. We also have always helped disabled To get involved with Rotary Thank you, all of you, for the children locally, and have assisted young in your area visit: tremendous work you are doing, through people to prepare for the job market rotarygbi.org Rotary: Making a Difference.• rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 21 ROTARY IN ACTION Making Business Connections

Making the business case for humanitarian action

USINESS leaders can not only make a real difference to the people who need it most, but they can also benefit their own Bfirms and employees. That’s the view of Garth Arnold, the 100th District Governor of Rotary Ireland. At a time when humanitarian needs far outstrip funding for life-saving help on our own doorstep and globally, Garth is asking the question whether Irish businesses could be the new frontier for philanthropic fund-raising? “The cumulative effect of humanitarian work is limitless,” explained Garth. “It not only gives to the people in need, but it can bring you so much personally and professionally.” This is the basis on which today’s Rotary clubs exist. In Ireland, Rotary has been alive for more than a century, now featuring 73 clubs stretched across the Emerald Isle. In a bid to promote Rotary in Ireland, Garth has been telling the business community about the movement’s four “It is a global, professional networking way ethical test, foundations for any organisation for business people with a personal or professional relationship – is it the truth, fair to all concerned, will it build moral and social conscience.” on goodwill and better friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned? “These guiding principles provide the foundation for everything that we do individuals. It often provides members getting your business involved in activities and ensure a strong ethical belief that our with sales leads and invaluable contacts, which have a positive effect on the local Service Above Self brings good to both but benefits go far beyond the obvious. community clearly helps increase regional our charitable and humanitarian actions,” “It is a global, professional networking influence, awareness of your organisation added Garth. organisation for business people with a and delivers on corporate social “These principles also guarantee good moral and social conscience. responsibility. business practice outside of the clubs. “Rotary brings its members “For the individual, being a member "I believe involvement can bring opportunities to support incredibly of Rotary can instil an immense sense of enormous benefits to both the individual worthwhile causes both at home and pride, offering a way in which they can and their business.” abroad and brings each member the use their skill set for the greater good and He added: “Obviously, Rotary offers chance to stand up and be counted and to ultimately inspire others to get involved. business representatives an opportunity make a real lasting difference in the world. “Quite simply, it can change many to network with other like-minded “From a business point of view, lives for the better.”l

22 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Silver Sunday

Putting Silver on the map

PROJECT which is asking folk to pause and think about older people, while celebrating their contribution to society, is lookingA for support from Rotarians. Silver Sunday was launched in the City of Westminster in 2012 by Councillor The Lady Christabel Flight, Westminster’s Older People’s Champion. The purpose of the innovative project is to overcome loneliness, after a recent report discovered that more than a third of people over 75 admitted they were lonely. to stay mentally and physically active, learn The Westminster initiative aims to the boundaries of the capital and is being new skills, while ensuring they feel they are celebrate older residents, as well as helping adopted nationally – with this year’s event a valued part of their community. them get out and meet new people. taking place on October 7th. Lucinda Hurrey, a project officer with Cllr The Lady Flight said: “We have a With the help of the Sir Simon Milton the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, said she Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day, so why not Foundation, Silver Sunday has grown to hoped that Rotary clubs would get involved have a day to celebrate older people? more than 750 free events held nationwide this October by putting on special events "My aim now is to get Silver Sunday last year – from the south of England to focussed on the elderly. in the diary and on the calendar, much like Glasgow, and Northern Ireland. She said: “This year, we are again Mothering Sunday.” Thousands of older people were able to asking everyone – organisations, community Silver Sunday has now burst out of get out of their homes, attend a special event where they made new friends. groups and individuals – to put on free Highlights of last year’s Silver Sunday events for older people, or simply write a events included a Walking Football Cup in card or deliver a cake. Worcester, tea with the Mayor in Cumbria, “Anything which helps them to feel ferry rides in Bristol, a Dance-a-thon in appreciated, get out and make new friends, Chelsea, tours of the Botanic Gardens or try something new. in Belfast, workshops with the English “We would be very grateful if Rotary National Ballet, Sunday lunch in Hastings, a clubs could get involved by hosting their craft afternoon in Norfolk, and a concert at own events for local residents, a tea party or the Royal Albert Hall. coffee morning, for example.”l Attending a Silver Sunday event can be the first step for many isolated older people to try something new in their local area. According to the Sir Simon Milton For more information visit: Foundation, as well as giving them silversunday.org.uk or email confidence, it also encourages elderly people [email protected]

24 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 25 ROTARY IN ACTION Young Citizen Awards

INSPIRATIONAL CITIZENS THEY are inspirational youngsters who, through their hard work and determination, have unselfishly assisted others.

From helping the homeless to clothing children who live in poverty and being a wheelchair whizz kid on the tennis court, these were the winners of Rotary’s Young Citizen Award.

Their achievements were recognised last month at the Rotary national conference in Torquay, receiving their awards from BBC TV presenter Ellie Crisell. Here are their stories.

Jamala Osman Joseph Cox Nominated by Rotary Club of Redbridge Nominated by Rotary Club of Leith Jamala, pictured left, became a carer for her Saddened by the sight of a growing number brother and twin sister as a teenager after of rough sleepers in the Edinburgh area, suffering from depression and the loss of 11-year-old Joseph decided to take action. their mother. His simple idea “Socks for the Street” Growing up in Ilford, she was touched the hearts of people in the local surrounded by gang culture and violence. community and around the world. The By 14-years-old, she had been kicked charity collects new socks, underwear, out of her father’s house and lost contact gloves, hats, scarves and boots for the with her siblings, and it was only four homeless. years later when she reconnected with her He persuaded his school to be a drop siblings to become their carer. off point for donations and has set up a Jamala was accepted on to the highly Facebook page and an Amazon wish-list of competitive Barclay’s apprenticeship essentials for keeping warm on the streets. programme. Now aged 24, she is a Joseph even travels with items in the family branch manager, is considered one car everywhere they go in case he spots of the bank’s most successful someone in need. apprentices who regularly speaks at schools about mental health and Ryan Montgomery Nominated by Rotary Club of making positive life Corstorphine choices. Ryan, 16, from Edinburgh is committed to helping others through first-aid and set up his own charity, Corstorphine Emergency Response. He has been administering first-aid since the age of 12, supports events and trains fellow students and teachers at Craigmount High School to deliver CPR. After realising how important defibrillators were, Ryan set up a campaign to raise funds to supply four defibrillators for his local community. He did this through various means including collecting 300 old mobile phones.

26 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org ©Peter Croan©Peter ©Peter Croan©Peter

Young Citizen Award winners (from left) Abbie Breakwell, Jamala Osman, Ryan Montgomery, Dale Rawlins, Rebekah Hinton and Joseph Cox

all backgrounds, including refugees. up one of only five disabled ladies’ teams in Andrew Davies The clothes are sorted at her local the country and one deaf team with over Nominated by Rotary Satellite church and distributed in exchange for 130 regular players. Club of Chesterfield vouchers which Rebekah designed called In September 2012, Andrew, then 13, C2C (child-to-child). The vouchers reach Rotary Young Citizen became very unwell. He was referred to families in need through a network of Sheffield Children’s Hospital where he was WheelPower Sports health visitors, social workers and the local Award Winner: diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a children’s centre. When families come to the rare and a rapidly spreading disease if not clothing bank, they exchange the vouchers Abbie Breakwell treated quickly. for good quality clothes. Nominated by Rotary Club of Long Eaton Over the following months he endured Fifteen-year-old Abbie has a muscle- courses of chemotherapy and a bone wasting disease and a spinal cord syrinx marrow transplant. Dale Rawlins which has left her wheelchair-bound. Nominated by Rotary Club of Gloucester Thankfully Andrew recovered and This award is presented jointly by Dale set up a disability football team when decided he wanted to give something back. Rotary and by the charity WheelPower, he was 14. Two years later, he opened a Realising a bone marrow transplant costs which provides opportunities in sport for social enterprise sports shop in Gloucester £150,000, he set his sights on raising the people with physical impairments. to create employment for the players and same amount so other young lives could be Abbie, who has always loved sport, did generate funds. saved. not let this stop her and she started playing When Dale finished school, he Now aged 19, Andrew’s fund-raising wheelchair tennis two years ago. She trains committed to the enterprise full-time, total stands at nearly £140,000. several times a week and attends tennis which gives people the confidence and skills camps across the country. Her dream is to towards mainstream employment and represent Team GB at the Paralympics and move from institutional to independent Rebekah Hinton to play at Wimbledon. Nominated by Rotary Club living. Abbie is one of two girl tennis players of Bradford West The enterprise creates funds enabling and five boys picked for the Tennis Rebekah, 20, was so deeply concerned by young players to take FA Level 1 coaching Foundation’s new programme to produce the desperate lack of children’s clothing in courses. A couple of the players lacked the world class wheelchair tennis players. She the deprived community of West Bowling, necessary literacy skills and confidence so is also an ambassador for This Girl Can, Bradford, that she set up the Children’s Dale trained alongside them. encouraging other girls to improve their life Clothes Bank at the age of 16. Four hundred young people have through sport. l With help from a local toddler group benefited. Dale runs the largest pan- and her own school with collections of disability football club in the UK, with 13 clothing, she has helped many families from adult and three children’s sides. He has set rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 27 ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary Ride

A chance comment saved my life

OR Colin Timms, it was a chance under treatment for 11 years. He is about to comment to his doctor which undergo another round of Zoladex. probably saved his life – and “Rotary Ride organiser, Throughout his treatment Colin brought him face-to-face with one Keith Hopkins, described remained positive, and his actions even Fof the most common cancers prompted male friends to have the PSA test affecting men. the event as a very personal with their local GP. “I went to see the GP about something journey for many people.” “There are two ways of dealing with it,” else and just happened to say to her, ‘I went he added. “I could either go into my shell to the loo in the middle of the night and and say ‘woe is me’ or spread the word as far found I couldn’t pass water’,” recalled Colin, as I could. who is a Dawlish Rotarian. Prostate Cymru and the Irish Cancer “When I got the diagnosis the very first Colin’s passing remark prompted the Society as well as local charities. thing I did was go to a club meeting and GP to carry out a PSA test. This blood test From family days, fun rides, static bike said, ‘Look chaps. I’ve got a problem but I measures the amount of prostate specific rides to more challenging events, there will believe it is under control.’ “ antigen (PSA) in your blood – PSA is a be something to suit all abilities. Rotary Ride organiser, Keith Hopkins, protein produced by normal cells in the The number of men dying from described the event as a very personal prostate. prostate cancer has overtaken female deaths journey for many people. When the results came back unclear, from breast cancer for the first time in the He said: “Participants are riding for a biopsy was arranged and seven of the UK. An ageing population means that more their friends and family, people they know eight cell samples returned positive. Scans men are developing and now dying from who are dealing with or have been through revealed the cancer had spread to Colin’s the disease. prostate cancer. It is a great day out but it is pelvis, parts of his ribs and his Prostate Cancer UK says advances also very personal thing. left shoulder. in the diagnosis and treatment of breast “I am very grateful to everyone for Welcome to the world of prostate cancer are paying off, and increased funding putting on a Rotary Ride in their area. cancer, the third biggest killer in the UK could benefit prostate cancer. "There are some super scenic routes in behind lung and bowel cancer, and the The latest figures from 2015 show country parks and around castles as well as focus of this year’s Rotary Ride. there were 11,819 deaths from prostate a ride in a racing circuit normally reserved Rotary Ride is a series of bike rides cancer compared with 11,442 deaths from for cars. ” l organised across the country on and around breast cancer. Father’s Day weekend, June 16th-17th to Colin is determined to beat prostate Rotary Ride information including raise money for prostate cancer charities: cancer. He was put on the hormone locations can be found at: Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Scotland, therapy Zoladex and he has now been ride.rotarygbi.org

28 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

DAVE KING Two boys carry an Aquabox Aquabox: life-changing and life-saving

INE O'Clock on a bracing baby and children’s clothing, as well as Friday morning in the educational items. Peak District, and already “When we started off the charity we an array of volunteers are began sending out basic aid items, such hard at work packing blue as cooking stuff and tarpaulins to survive,” Ncontainer boxes. explained trustee Roger Cassidy, who is a They’re the size of those storage member of the Rotary Club of Wirksworth, boxes you buy to pack away the Christmas which kicked off the venture in 1992. decorations. But here, in an unremarkable “But then as time went on and we “If you’re in disaster situation, industrial unit situated just outside got more feedback from the field, we the first thing that goes is the Matlock, their work is both life-changing discovered that educational items also and life-saving. became important. infrastructure and fresh water. This is the headquarters of Aquabox, "So we send out books, envelopes, Children and adults die of thirst, a Rotary-inspired charity which, for pens and paper and things like that. “When children are in a camp with of typhus and cholera - you 26 years, has sent more than 110,000 humanitarian aid boxes to disaster zones nothing to do, this is a way of establishing can’t go for very long without around the world. as much normality as possible. clean drinking water.” Earthquakes, flooding, drought, “The other thing we got feedback typhoons, hurricanes and war, Aquabox about was sanitation items. Things like has seen it all. Loss of life, lack of food, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, basic severe water shortages. items which you need when you have Working with aid agencies in these been through a dreadful disaster like the stricken zones, the Derbyshire-based hurricane in the Caribbean. charity sends the blue boxes containing "It enables people to establish a little aqua filters, plus humanitarian aid more humanness to their lives. including cooking utensils, hygiene “The most recent addition has been equipment, tools, shelter materials, adding a solar lamp.

30 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org clubs, church groups and other voluntary organisations. There are Aquabox organisations in Canada and Australia. TRUSTEE CHAIR 2017/18 While in the UK, groups such as the PAUL A. NETZEL Aquabox have shipped Rotary Club of Gloucester are also involved out more than in box packing. T’S hard to believe that the first year of 1,200 boxes It is an outstanding success story our Foundation’s second century of service over the past six months which was rewarded when Aquabox I– and my term as chair of The Rotary received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Foundation – is coming to a close. Service in 2016. But far from looking back, It has been an amazing experience to "Rather than putting in candles and Aquabox is looking forward as there is an see Rotary and Our Foundation in action as matches, which is what we used to do, we even greater need for the boxes. I have travelled the world. added solar lamps a couple of years ago. “When we first set up, we were dealing It has been inspiring to see the passion "A lot of these disasters occur in with natural disasters,” added Roger and dedication of Rotarians, the energy and countries where there is a lot of sunshine. Holden. “But over the last five years, with creativity of Rotaractors, and the diversity of “We have also added bamboo cups the dreadful events in Syria, and more projects and forms of service. and bowls, instead of tin items, trying to recently in Bangladesh, with the Rohingya I’ve seen Rotary: Making a Difference be more environmentally-friendly.” people in Myanmar, as well as the war in the lives of countless people in need, At the heart of the Aquabox operation in Yemen, we are responding more to because Rotarians are People of Action! are the water filters. When the charity first man-made disasters, than the terrible These experiences have reaffirmed my began, the original boxes had a tap on the earthquakes or tsunamis 10 years ago.” belief in Rotary’s future and the vital role side, water would be poured into the box In the early days, Aquabox had to deal our Foundation can and must continue to mixed with a chlorine tablet. with getting the boxes through customs. play – especially as we approach our post- The bottom line in any disaster is Now their biggest issue is getting the polio era. that the greatest number of deaths occur aid to politically unstable areas through As Rotarians, we have big challenges through water-borne diseases. So, ensuring partners, such as the United Nations High and bold opportunities ahead: a safe and reliable source for drawing water Commissioner for Refugees. in a disaster zone, is a priority. On one occasion, when sending boxes • We must achieve our goal of eradicating The pumps, which cost £25 each, to refugee camps in Mogadishu, Somalia, polio. Please contribute to the polio are assembled manually in Wirksworth they had to glue large washers over the campaign. by a mixture of Rotarians, Inner Wheel Rotary symbol on the blue boxes because • We must expand the conversation and volunteers and church groups from across the Jihadist militant group, Boko Haram, determine what corporate project or the Peak District. associated Rotary with the USA and it was projects we will undertake next. According to one of the assemblers, feared they would exact retribution. • We must work to engage the 50% of the Mick Brittain, the parts are pretty Trustee John Holden revealed that the world’s population that is under the age of robust. Within each water filter there demand for aid has been massive as they 30. Surveys consistently show that these is a backflush mechanism to ensure its have shipped out more than 1,200 boxes young people want to make a difference longevity of up to three years by expelling over the past six months. and to volunteer. We need to continue any muck on the membrane. As for the future, he said they were developing proactive strategies “We’ve got pumps operating in The looking for greater involvement from other to engage millennials and Gen Z-ers. Gambia which have been going for six Rotary clubs to serve as satellite box- • Women account for 50% of the world’s years,” explained Mick. “It is a wonderful packing groups, as well as creating a team population. They are the backbone of product - so simple, and it is a life saver. of regional ambassadors. many clubs. We need to expand their “If you’re in disaster situation, the They also want to have stocks of the reach and welcome their leadership. first thing that goes is the infrastructure boxes stored overseas at key sites to enable • Rotarians and clubs need to connect more and fresh water. Children and adults die of quicker deployment to disaster zones. closely to the Foundation to understand thirst, of typhus and cholera - you can’t go John detailed that it costs Aquabox how it can help achieve our goals. for very long without clean drinking water. around £300,000 a year to operate, “The water filters are not just used for and they need to continue to drive more This Rotary year, I invited you to share disaster areas. I was involved in a project income to support their valuable work. your ideas with me. Many did – about in rural Botswana where they had wells, “Aquabox captures all of the elements how to raise more funds, to simplify the but the water was dirty. So they were using of Rotary,” he added. grant process, to better engage youth, to dirty water to take their polio medication.” “People freely giving their time to build peace, to enhance our membership Twenty five years on, Aquabox now help other people and trying to put a experience through The Rotary Foundation. runs a very sophisticated operation. degree of professional skills into that You expressed your passion for a future It is a far cry from the early days equation to make a difference in in which our Foundation will have a greater when boxes were packed in a cow barn in the world.” l impact than ever in its second century. This Wirksworth as well as elsewhere by Rotary is because you are our greatest strength. l rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 31 ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary 2

New-style

making a difference

Sunday morning, and upstairs at a coffee shop, a bustling group of people arrive, some carrying babies while others are accompanied by small children wearing t-shirts saying “Future Rotarians at Work” - the fortnightly get- together of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary is about to begin. Eve Conway reports.

LUB President, Michael Rotaractors who’d reached the age of 30. Atherton, starts off by Founding President, Lisa Hunter, inducting two new members says that as lunchtime and evening Rotary and presenting them with their meetings didn’t fit in with their busy work Rotary-branded coffee mugs and family lifestyles, they decided to do Cand Rotary pins. The club has nearly 50 something different. members and its numbers are growing. She adds: “We think it’s important Michael tells me: “We don’t have a that children come along and, particularly meal, it’s a casual coffee club meeting. We as a parent, for them to learn that they are working Rotarians and we are out should be giving back to their community there in the community working, rather to help make a difference.” than sitting in a meeting.” Lisa says the club’s focus is on being This is just one of the new-style part of the community. ”We decided Rotary clubs I have visited filming videos to launch something called ‘Pimp My for a public awareness campaign to Community’ which is working with highlight their activities as part of the charities that are very small and perhaps Rotary2 initiative. They bust any myth just starting up. that Rotary isn’t attractive to younger “So we meet with them, find out what people, and the enthusiasm and buzz of they need and give three free hours of our these clubs is infectious! professional time to really crack on and Maidenhead Bridge Rotary started get their charity going and in the right five years ago as a group of former direction.”

32 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org ROTARY IN ACTION Rotary2

“We think it’s important that children come along and, particularly as a parent, for them to learn that they should be giving back to their community to help make a difference.”

This club embodies much of what meetings are after work and more informal members work for Bentley Motors. the Rotary2 campaign is all about - than other clubs. The club is making a big difference actively promoting the development of “So we started as a satellite club and to its community by launching a new more vibrant, diverse, innovative, family- then have become our own club, in our initiative locally to feed the hungry and friendly, flexible clubs/groups, creating 250 own right. The Marlow club and Marlow the homeless. new Rotary opportunities across Britain Thames club have really supported us and First, they set up a Street Kitchen on and Ireland. they've been the driving force behind the Fridays in Crewe town centre to provide Travelling across Britain and Ireland, recruitment. hot drinks and food to the town’s homeless I have found a growing number of these “The number of women we have in as well as those struggling to new-style clubs out there. the club is about 50/50. feed themselves. Sitting in the pub hotel where the "The majority of us are of a younger They are now running this in a Rotary Club of Wrexham Glyndwr meets age, but our average age is about 45. So community centre, providing warm in Wales, Fiona Bassett, their dynamic we're bringing lots of people in. I think, clothing, sleeping bags, duvets and president enthusiastically describes her really, what the draw is the community blankets. new-style club. side of it and the charity side of it. Club Secretary Sarah Newcombe says: “We don't have a meal. We meet on a “It's less about the networking. A lot “The Rotary Club of Bentley Cheshire has fortnightly basis. of people just want to give something back been the catalyst and raised the profile of "We have got businessmen and to the community that they live in.” the homeless situation locally and we are women, but we've got single mums, we've And this has proved a ‘win-win’ really making a difference here.” got stay-at-home mums, we've got retired situation because not only is the Rotary To help Rotary continue to make a people, we've got people from all walks of Club of Marlow Bridge gaining members, difference, Rotary2 provides opportunities life and from all over really,” she says. but so are Marlow and Marlow Thames, for Rotary to grow and be relevant to “We've got people from Poland, we've as Rotary becomes more visible in the today’s world. got people from Rwanda, who now live in community. The clubs I visited show how Rotary is the UK. We've got such a diverse club and Another club which started off as attractive to younger, working people and all ages, our youngest is 22 and our oldest a satellite is the Rotary Club of Bentley by providing opportunities for more such is 78. So yes, I think we're quite different. Cheshire, the first corporate Rotary club clubs to flourish in the future is a "We're a very enthusiastic bunch. in Britain and Ireland as many of the step forward. l We're so driven.” Wrexham Glyndwr started as a satellite club and within six months chartered as a Rotary club as did the new-style Rotary Club of Marlow Bridge in Buckinghamshire, which also meets fortnightly in a local pub and doesn’t have a meal. Marlow Bridge was started as a satellite club by the two local established Rotary clubs of Marlow and Marlow Thames, who thought there was room in the town for a group for younger, working Rotarians. Louise Kelly, Founding President of Marlow Bridge, says: “We wanted to meet in a different format to the existing clubs that are already in the town and just bring something new and fresh to Rotary. “We all lead very busy lives, so our rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 33 SOCIAL MEDIA # JAMES BOLTON It's Gone Viral IT'S GONE VIRAL What is being watched, posted, liked, shared and tweeted around Rotary in the world of social media.

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

TISWAS TIME ROTARY IS FOR COMMUNITIES EVERYWHERE Broadcaster and Purple4Polio ROTARACT AT SUMMIT The Princess Royal has paid tribute to Rotary members for Ambassador Chris Tarrant shares Rotaract GBI Chair Tom Silverson the work they do in communities across the globe. You his Millionaire memories, and was one of thousands to attend can head to our YouTube channel to see her speech in made one Rotarian's Tiswas April’s Commonwealth Heads of full, where she praised Rotary’s contribution to eradicating dream come true! Check out Government Meeting. Visit polio, supporting young people and promoting world our YouTube channel to see on Twitter to peace. this classic custard pie moment @RotaractGBI see what he got up to or search along with other speakers in our . Conference playlist. #CHOGM2018

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

ROTARY YOUNG CITIZEN AWARDS #VACCINESWORK If you missed our Facebook live coverage of this year’s In April we marked World FOCUS ON THE CROCUS Rotary Young Citizen Awards, don’t worry because Immunisation Week! Over half a Orders are now being taken you can catch up now on our YouTube page! Hosted million people viewed the World for crocus corms as part of the once again by Ellie Crisell, the 11th year of the awards Health Organization’s 5 Facts on winter 2018 planting season. celebrated the amazing work of young people, who have Vaccines video. How many do you Use #Purple4Polio to show off been helping their communities through projects helping know? Visit their Facebook page the work you’re doing in your the homeless, teaching first aid and more! or search #VaccinesWork. community to help end polio!

Rotary International in @RotaryGBI /RotaryinGBI Rotary International in FOLLOW US Great Britain & Ireland Great Britain & Ireland

34 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org

ROTARY IN ACTION Special feature

DAVE KING

AST autumn, 11 members of against their will. It involves exploiting them to make money or provide services. one Lincolnshire family were “I don't know how I can borrow jailed after one of the worst And it is on the increase with 43 cases of modern slavery on the energy Rotarians have in million people in slavery across the world, these shores. the way you have taken on according to the Global Slavery Index. In LThe gang, who each received hefty the UK, The Salvation Army, has reported prison sentences, preyed on homeless polio, but as and when you a 300% increase in the number of victims people and some with learning difficulties, eradicate polio, may I ask you referred for support in the past six years. forcing them to work for little or no pay to consider human trafficking According to the Independent Anti- and live in squalid conditions for up to Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland 26 years. and slavery as your next OBE, the estimate of 13,000 victims in the The family were described in court as endeavour?” UK is based on old intelligence. “chilling in their mercilessness” ordering He claims the true number is in the one victim to dig his own grave. tens of thousands. Chief Superintendent Nikki Mayo It has prompted Shaun Sawyer, Chief from Lincolnshire Police revealed that " Some had learning disabilities or Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police, the victims, aged between 18 and 63, had mental health issues while others were to urge Rotary to join the fight against been picked up from all over the country completely dependent on alcohol or drugs. modern slavery. and specifically targeted because they were “Some had no idea what was Speaking at the Rotary conference vulnerable and homeless. happening when we arrived at the site or in Torquay in April, the chief constable She said: “We knew these men were when they were transported into the care said: "I don't know how I can borrow being kept in very poor conditions and of support services and we worked hard to the energy Rotarians have in the way you made to work for little money. gain their trust.” have taken on polio, but as and when you “The extent of these conditions soon This chilling case brought into sharp eradicate polio, may I ask you to consider became apparent – the victims were focus a crime phenomenon which has human trafficking and slavery as your next ‘accommodated’ in caravans without largely been hidden from the public’s eyes. endeavour?" running water or access to toilet facilities, Modern slavery involves the Mr Sawyer, who is the Association and in some cases the electricity to them recruitment of vulnerable children and of Chief Police Officers' national lead was dangerously obtained from a adults, moving them to another place, on modern slavery, added: "Human nearby pylon. often another country, using threats, force trafficking in children, in women in “The men were incredibly vulnerable. or deception to make them do something particular for sexual exploitation, has

36 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org “The extent of these conditions soon RI DIRECTOR 2017-19 became apparent – the victims BRIAN STOYEL were ‘accommodated’ in caravans CANNOT believe that I have served as Director for nearly a year and throughout without running water or access to II have been thrilled, saddened and heartened by the good works being toilet facilities, and in some cases the executed and funded by Rotarians, friends and the Family of Rotary. electricity to them was dangerously It has been said we try to cover obtained from a nearby pylon.” too many interests, but industrious, enthusiastic, inquisitive people are like that - so many ideas, so many passions, so many concerns. We are gathering more members with Rotary2, so we should be well placed to continue providing our much-needed services to the many deserving peoples for years and years to come. Believe me, it will not be a quick fix and next year we must consolidate and expand our efforts yet again. Changes from the RIBI Annual Business meeting, which, although perhaps appearing cosmetic, bring about opportunities and opportunities bring about a new and exciting membership, so never been greater. And the issue of labour Dr Williams. I ask you all to embrace these changes to exploitation is particularly prevalent, “Some of the signs to look out for make your Rotary vibrant and effective. especially those with learning difficulties include limited family contact, physical It is true, however, by and large, the and infirmity. abuse, distrust of authority, having no world’s population have little concept of "Human trafficking is the exploitation friends, escorted everywhere and acting Rotary and what we do - so we must work of one human being for another human as if under another's control, avoiding harder in getting our projects into the press, being's privilege. Whether it is economic eye contact or not in possession of their onto the radio and television. or personal gratification, it has no place in passport.” Our public image of the past has been modern society." Dr Williams said that a number encapsulated in meetings and shaking Addressing Rotarians in Torquay, the of Soroptimists have been trained to of hands and cans but today’s image of police chief said: "There are many battles raise awareness of modern slavery in innovative, minimal formality and exciting made in a battle to keep a society safe and communities, through the Wales Anti- get togethers is really showing our talents this generation has got a lot to offer. Slavery Training Programme. and bringing our enthusiasm to the fore. "Because if it is not us, who? And She hopes Rotarians across the UK It was a pleasure to represent RI if not now, then when will we combat will also pick up the mantle and get President Ian Riseley at a reception in human trafficking?" involved. l the House of Commons to celebrate our Dr Joan Williams is a member of involvement with ten years of Rotarian Soroptimist International, which is teams volunteering in India. supporting the Welsh government’s fight Secretary of State for International against modern slavery. For further information contact: Development and Minister for Women and According to Dr Williams, the types of Equalities The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt • Euan Fraser from the Human exploitation are wide ranging. MP, spoke highly of her regard for those Trafficking Foundation: A most gruesome form of slavery spending their time in India, many on [email protected] is organ harvesting, where victims are repeat occasions, immunising millions of • Kim-Ann Williamson: trafficked in order to sell their body parts children to secure a polio-free country. [email protected] - and organs for transplant such as ovaries, It was heartening to hear the financial Wales Anti-Slavery Leadership Group support which our Government, and kidneys, liver and eyes. Strategic Objectives Lead and involved in “Due to the hidden nature of slavery the delivery of UK Training others throughout the world, are giving and the victim’s reluctance or inability to to the certification of polio eradication, • Stephen Chapman: implementing the polio post-certification seek help, you may not realise you've come [email protected] - strategy developed by the Global Polio into contact with a victim,” added the Wales Anti-Slavery Coordinator Eradication Initiative. l rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 37 ROTARY IN ACTION Special feature

LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND

REBUILDING NEPAL’S SCHOOLS application with the Rotary Club of Cookham Bridge for utilities at the building, including water supply, toilets, fencing and furniture, and improving quality. “We are looking for further sources to construct another eight-room building, then the reconstruction of the school is completed. “The school’s name is going to be changed to Prithvirupa Rotary Secondary School which will be a great public image advertisement for Rotary.” A substantial Gurkha community in Nuneaton has prompted the Rotary club in the town, along with Erdington and North Worcestershire clubs, to become involved with Janapremi Secondary School, where solar powered lighting was provided by a district grant. The latter two Rotary clubs put in VER since the devastating Buckinghamshire towards rebuilding £2,000 each towards the project, bolstered earthquakes in Nepal in Janapremi and Prithvirupa Secondary by £6,000 from the Rotary Emergency Fund, 2015, Rotary clubs have been Schools. £500 from the district, and a staggering central towards helping Both schools are located in the £6,000 was collected from the people of rebuild the Himalayan countryside, 120 miles from the capital Nuneaton. country. Kathmandu – a demanding eight-hour Earlier this year, Rotarians celebrated EBesides huge loss of life, according to drive away. completion of two new rooms being built at the Nepalese government nearly 770,000 A large portion of the financial Janapremi and handed over furniture to the houses were damaged, and the pace of support for re-building six rooms as the school on its 67th birthday. reconstruction has been slow - only 73,000 Prithvirupa School came from the Rotary Ironically, even the handover of have been rebuilt. Club of Dronfield, and some of its members furniture on the day wasn’t easy. Heavy rains Rotary has focussed its effort on attended the opening of the new building meant the rural roads were so bad that supporting schools in Nepal since 8,680 in April. the furniture was dropped in the road and community schools were damaged by the “The Rotary contribution to rebuild a loaded onto different vehicles. earthquake. few schools has been considered as a very “The school family was so happy having Binod Koirala is a member of the good initiative,” said Binod. “My own club has the furniture, together with the new two- Pokhara Fishtail Rotary Club in Nepal, adopted Prithvirupa Secondary School and room building,” reported Binod, who thanked which has been working with a number reconstructed six rooms already. the fund-raising efforts of the Rotary clubs in of Rotary clubs in the West Midlands and “We have just submitted a global grant the UK. • 38 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org ROTARY KEN COLLECTS FRANCE’S REBUILDING YOUNG LIVES HIGHEST HONOUR IN NEPAL

HE Rotary Club of Woking District has partnered the Kasthamandap Rotary Club to work on an ambitious three- Tyear project to support 19 schools in the remote and under-developed Nagarjun Municipality. Located north-west of Kathmandu, the first phase is a School Improvement Programme. This is part of Rotary’s OTARIAN Ken Mead has received Literacy mission in Nepal, to improve one of France’s highest honours the reading skills of children in a country for his part in the D-Day landings. which has one of the lowest literacy Ken, who is aged 90 and is a rates in Asia. Rmember of Coulsdon Manor Rotary Club in A series of three workshops funded Surrey, has been presented with the Légion world, seeing and doing things unimaginable by the Surrey-based club is laying a d’Honneur by the French ambassador, Jean- to following generations. foundation for each school to deliver an Pierre Jouyet. The Coulsdon Manor Rotary Club retains education that meets the needs of the He was one of seven World War Two strong links with France and is affiliated with children of this very poor country, which veterans who were presented with the award the Rotary Club Bailleul-Yser-Lys near Lille. is reeling from the destruction caused by at the official London residence of the French • the earthquakes. ambassador. In Nepal, the programme is being The Légion d’Honneur was presented led by Rotarian Prabha Pradhan, who in recognition of Ken’s part in the liberation is an educational specialist. The first of France. Aged just 17 at the time of D-Day, workshop has recently been held and he was in the Merchant Navy involved with was attended by the schools’ principals. the hazardous delivery of ammunition and Woking District Rotary Club’s supplies to the beaches. International Committee Chairman, This meant running his ship ashore in the Keith Millard, has liaised closely with the tide where it presented a vulnerable target as Kasthamandap club. its explosives were unloaded. He said: “We have recognised the Ken was also on the Atlantic route, huge demand for education in Nepal, bringing desperately needed supplies to and this was a real opportunity for us to the UK in the face of very heavy losses from play a full role in this project which will German submarines. offer a route out of poverty.” By the time that he left the Merchant • Navy aged only 20, Ken had been around the rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 39 CHEERS SCOTS SUPPORT PHILIPPINE FOR THE ORPHANAGE PROJECT BEER

OTARIANS in Selkirk have have been holding number of fund-raising recently returned from a two- events to support the orphanage, including HE Rotary Club of Langley week humanitarian mission to providing new mattresses. Park in Beckenham in Kent the Philippines. The Rotary club also bought two bunk recently donated £10,000 to St RThe group, led by President Ferdous beds and spent a day installing the new beds TChristopher's Hospice and Hospice in the Ahmed, travelled to south-east Asia self- and mattresses, replacing the tattered pieces Weald. funded on a mission to provide help and of foam being used. Langley Park Rotary President, Rod support to the Queen of Peace Children’s A successful application was made to the Leeming, presented cheques to Sarah Home in Naga City, on the island of Cebu. Rotary International fund, which provided a Coughtrie of St Christopher's Hospice and The home takes care of 40 children who further £2,000. Claire Milloy of Hospice in the Weald. are either disabled or have been abandoned In total, Selkirk Rotary Club’s campaign The money was raised last September by their parents, plus a further 50 youngsters raised £13,000, more than double its target, at Langley Park's second beer festival from nearby neighbourhoods who attend making this one of the largest overseas held at Old Dunstonian Sports Ground in each day for education. humanitarian missions it has undertaken. Beckenham. This year’s beer festival will For over a year, the Scottish Rotarians As well as replacing the mattresses, take place on September 28th and 29th. a new toilet block was built, and the monies bought much-needed laparoscopic equipment for a local hospital assisting Naga Rotary Club with a global grant project. WHAT A SPECTACLE! The cash funded 13 lemon trees, planted in the grounds of the orphanage, as well HE joint efforts of Ramsgate Boxing as 33 cashew nut trees at Tugawe resort, Club and the Rotary Club of Caramoan, where Rotarians were also Thanet broke records at the involved in creating a new deep well for clean Margate Winter Gardens by water provision in one of the remote islands. raising just over £36,000 for charity at T As a fitting end to the trip, the Philippines’ the 13th annual boxing gala. Vice-President, Leni Robredo, made a surprise This meant that an amazing visit to the group during its last dinner in £409,000 has been raised since the Naga, thanking Rotarians for their efforts and event was first staged in 2006. The two valuable humanitarian contribution. clubs work closely together to put the Ferdous Ahmed said: “This international event on raising money for the Pilgrims project, led by the Rotary Club of Selkirk Hospice, Broadstairs Town Shed, Oasis and supported by other Rotary clubs in the Domestic Abuse, Ramsgate Boxing Club, the district, with the generosity of the people in Alzheimer’s Society and other charities. the Borders, has been an amazing success. The audience enthusiastically supported “The aim of Rotary is to help those the 17 bouts of which three were English Boxing in need, and this has most certainly been Championship finals. • achieved during this mission.” • 40 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 41 NEWS IN BRIEF RUGBY STAR’S SWIM FOR ZAMBIA SUPPORT FOR ROTAKIDS THE Rotary Club of Beckenham is toasting another successful swimming ALES and British fund-raiser. Lions rugby 27 swimmers took part in the player, Mike Swimalong at West Wickham Leisure Phillips, was on Centre in Kent. They raised £2,788, Whand to present the newly-formed including a district grant, for the charity Ysgol Meidrim RotaKids with their Fighting Poverty in Zambia. charter. The money will fund a rabbit breeding For one young member, project in Tikondane, Eastern Province, Leo Straczek Renaud, he was to improve the diet and reduce poverty. particularly delighted to meet the scrum-half. The 11-year-old will be starting JAZZ FINALE at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in September, WIMBORNE Rotary Club organised the same school that Mike the fifth annual Jazz at the Allendale attended. And with grandparents charity concert, which marked the final Ann and Eddie both keen Rotarians, performance of the Bournemouth Jazz it really is a case of keeping it in the Orchestra. Rotary family. A retiring collection at the Ysgol Meidrim is the second concert raised £1,250 which will be school to receive the RotaKids shared between the Poole Society For charter from Narberth & Whitland Young Musicians and Rotary charities. Rotary. The school has already The Dorset club hopes to continue participated in the Rotary Shoebox the annual charity concert, and a Scheme, and is hoping to forge provisional date of February 11th has links with the Fisherman’s Rest been set for next year. School in Malawi.• MANX ADVICE FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNISED THE Rotary Club of Rushen & Western Mann on the Isle of Man recently OTARIAN Tony Moore has On the international front, in 1991 Tony donated £250 for publicity materials been honoured for 50 years’ was also deeply involved with the building for the Manx Citizens Advice Service exceptional service to Rotary and equipping of the Limi Health Clinic in an Southern Branch. as a member of West Worthing isolated part of Nepal. It provides health care The branch was initially set up by RRotary Club. and education for mothers and children, the club in 1979, and currently provides Rotary GBI President, Denis Spiller, saving many lives. weekly drop-in sessions in Port Erin. was among those who visited the West In expressing his appreciation of the The plan is to extend its services to Sussex club to salute a man who has served honour, Tony reflected back on his years in Castletown later this year. as an RIBI president, a director of Rotary Rotary. He joined the club in 1968, 50 years International and was both a district governor to the date of this celebration when West and president of the West Worthing club. Worthing club was only 12-years-old. POLIO AWARENESS In addition he had served on numerous “Dinners at that time were three shillings SEVERAL Colchester primary schools committees and boards that promoted and three pence, about 16p in today’s held Purple Pinkie Days to raise funds change and innovation in Rotary, for example, money,” he reflected. to help Colchester Rotary Club support the admittance of women to the movement. Tony remarked that as national Rotary International’s End Polio Now Tony also had a long and distinguished president he understood the role which campaign. personal career in pharmaceuticals. Rotary plays in changing the world for the A great deal of fun was had, some One of his most notable local better. “Rotary has influence in high places,” wonderful costumes appeared, and a achievements was the introduction of awards he added. total of £1,400 was raised. This sum for students at the Lavinia Norfolk Centre “It is not well known that Rotary had a will be double-matched by the Bill & at The Angmering School for physically and role in the formation of the United Nations Melinda Gates Foundation. sensory disabled students who had shown and has an observer’s seat in the General exemplary progress in moving towards Assembly.” independence. •

42 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 43 MAKING LIFE BREAKING THE CYCLE BEARABLE OF BEING A CARER

VER the past six years the Lutterworth Rotary Club, through Elaine Turner and her dedicated Oteam of knitters, have supplied a range of charities throughout the world with 7,450 ADDINGTON Rotary Club is knitted teddies. assist 20 new businesses to start trading and investing over £30,000 to create The Leicestershire-based club create 30 new jobs in the process. entrepreneurs from women who distributes these teddies to traumatised, He said: “The programme looks to are carers. orphaned or young children starting support new, would-be female entrepreneurs The project, which is supported by a school for the very first time. The idea is P through a process of change by moving global grant, is targeting Westminster and that children have a teddy to enjoy and women from a benefits-based dependency to surrounding neighbourhoods, including the confide in. a work life choices arrangement that supports area around Grenfell Tower – the scene of The most recent consignment their caring responsibilities. last year’s devastating fire. was received by the Little Faces School “This includes developing and marketing The initiative, known as MyLifeMix, began in Mombasa, Kenya. The children each a referral process designed to reach and in May. It has been supported by The Rotary received a teddy and a toothbrush, which benefit women who want to start their own Foundation, with the Rotary Club of Carpi in was sent to Africa by Sally Harrison business.” Italy serving as the international partner. The from the Rotary Club of St Neots, The programme is looking to reach 100 Westway Trust is also backing the project. Cambridgeshire. women by providing them with sufficient Working with the Portobello Business Sally said: ‘The children had been information to look at going it alone in Centre, it looks to help women set up their very quiet until they got their bears. Most business. own business. of these kids have never had something Thirty women will receive intensive eight Mac Purcell, from the Rotary Club of special of their own. What a difference a weeks’ training support and then 60 one-to- Paddington, revealed that their goal was to comforting gift can make.”• one advice sessions. • BLOOMING GOOD IDEA 7,450 GROUP of volunteers from the Christ the King RC Primary School to lay KNITTED Rotary Club of Cardiff Llanishen hundreds of crocus bulbs which will erupt TEDDIES have brought their community into a stunning mauve floral display for togetherA to transform their local train station commuters at Llanishen train station. and plant hundreds of purple crocuses to The flowers were planted in recognition raise awareness of a worldwide initiative to of the Purple4Polio campaign. The Rotary end polio. Club of Cardiff Llanishen adopted the Members from the club, north of Cardiff, unstaffed railway station through Arriva Trains enlisted the help of schoolchildren from Wales’ national ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme. • 44 // ROTARY rotarygbi.org EBOLA PROJECT GAINS PACE

HO says Rotary does not move at speed? The Rotary Club of WMarlow is celebrating after receiving a $200,000 global grant for an Ebola project in West Africa in record time. Since 2014, the Buckinghamshire club has been working with the Rotary Club of Monrovia to supply aid to Liberia. Nearly £100,000 was raised in the UK along with funds from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, the USA and other countries. That funded immediate aid during the crisis and supported an education and A VISION FOR sanitation campaign. The club is now supporting a WAITING MOTHERS scholarship programme to train young health professionals as well as building T took ten years to complete, but are close to full-term. In many places a new oxygen concentrator at the ELWA now the Rotary Clubs of Shepperton shelters have been provided for this hospital in Monrovia. Aurora and Bulawayo have joined purpose.” The new hospital will be the first forces to complete a project which The connection between Bulawayo in Liberia offering piped oxygen to the will make an enormous difference to and the Shepperton Aurora club in Surrey I emergency rooms and the operating pregnant mothers in Zimbabwe. was formed through Margaret James, who theatre. The town of Lupane lies 106 miles was a school friend of Desmond Mulvany’s Funding for this project has come south of Bulawayo, and the task of the two mother-in-law. Desmond is a former through Rotary. clubs was to complete building a Mother’s president of the Rotary Club of Shepperton With the support of London District Shelter in the grounds of the clinic, a haven Aurora. 1130, and district contributions from 1090 from pregnant women shortly before they Desmond persuaded the club to get (Thames Valley), 1060 (Birmingham and give birth. involved with a donation of £950, which was the West Midlands), 1175 (South West), that According to retired Bishop Margaret supplemented by a global grant of £950 allowed the Marlow club to seek a global James, a former president of the Bulawayo plus a donation from the Mulvany family. grant from Rotary International. club, many of the women travel miles on The shelter, which was started by The $200,000 grant application was foot to reach the clinic in Lupane. the local community ten years ago was made on January 3, and approved in by “The clinic serves a wide area,” finally completed in 2017 and is now fully Rotary International in Evanston, USA, by explained Margaret. “There are buses along operational. January 18. the main road, but no public transport to Tshengi Ndlovu, Immediate Past • reach the scattered homesteads which may President of the Bulawayo club, said that be more than 30 kilometres away. Shepperton Aurora’s intervention in the “If pregnant women remain in their project had encouraged more donors to GET IN TOUCH... homes until they go into labour, they become involved . Got a story for us? Send it in either have to walk to the clinic or travel by The charity World Vision got involved (with a good quality picture) donkey-drawn cart. to build modern toilet and bathroom to [email protected] "This means that many of them deliver facilities for the waiting mothers. And on at home or on the way with obvious the back of this, a new satellite Rotary club Look for us online at rotarygbi.org or follow us dangers to the lives of both mother and was established in Lupane, with two of the on Facebook: /RotaryinGBI Twitter: @RotaryGBI baby. The solution is for the pregnant 11 Rotarians working for World Vision. YouTube: Rotary International in Great Britain • & Ireland mothers to stay near the clinic when they rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 45 rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 47

Editor's letter

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

A joint future

T was the one tumbleweed moment unashamed, single-sex time-warp, quoting reflecting on. of the Rotary conference. the Equality Act 2010 as its raison d'être for Earlier, in her forthright speech, Liz On the first morning of the remaining women-only. Thomas addressed the obvious – isn’t it three-day Torquay shindig, Liz As an aside, I met a self-professed time Rotary and Inner Wheel merged? IThomas, President of the Inner Wheel, was “blocker” on the Devon Riviera that “Is it right that the only solution to at the lectern. weekend who believes in men-only Rotary, Rotary’s membership problems should “Inner Wheel is unapologetically a and will leave the day the fairer sex join his be closing Inner Wheel and expecting women’s organisation, run by women, for club. #whatplanetisheon? the members to join Rotary?” asked Liz, women, who are caring, giving, doing and Frankly, there is no place in Rotary for without answering her question. loving – and we are proud of it,” she said, these stick in the muds. At a time when Well I’ll answer it for you – yes! before adding how much they valued their we are looking to grow our membership, Society has changed vastly since the connection with Rotary, 'inextricably linked' we should be opening our doors and early 20th century births of Rotary and for over 80 years. not closing them. Shouldn't the same Inner Wheel. Unless you adapt, unless you In this #metoo age of respect and principle apply to Inner Wheel with its modernise to become relevant for your equality, the comments were about as 16,000-strong membership if it is to survive time, you will predictably wither and die. sensitive as a Bernard Manning stand-up and thrive? Never mind what the dull bean routine to a convention of nuns. It was interesting to hear on that first counters might describe as economies Now, I should caution at this point that morning in Torquay from Janice Langley of scale to be gained, there are huge these are my personal thoughts, and they from the National Federation of Women’s advantages for the amalgamation of Rotary are not reflective of current Rotary thinking Institutes. and Inner Wheel. in these isles. Now let’s not go there about the WI’s It is vital both flourish, but survival will Inner Wheel was formed in 1924 right to exist as a single-sex organisation. only be possible under the same banner. It as a spin-off organisation for the wives But what was impressive from Janice’s is time that brother and sister join forces to of Rotary, which was then a men-only speech was how WI is modernising work and grow together. organisation. They were both anachronisms itself, embracing modern technology and This won’t be universally popular and of their time, running parallel paths with marketing techniques to make it even more the blockers will be throwing their toys out their work in the community. relevant to women today. of the pram. But when we talk in Rotary But while Rotary finally woke up And with a membership of 220,000, about Service Above Self, shouldn’t we be in 1989 allowing women to join Rotary, WI is not doing too badly. It is something practising what we preach? • Inner Wheel has remained locked in an both Rotary and Inner Wheel should be

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 rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 51